Rats are more than just unwanted pests—they’re known carriers of dangerous diseases that can seriously affect both humans and animals. If you’re wondering what disease do rats spread, you’re not alone. From contaminating food to spreading illness through droppings, urine, and bites, rats pose real health threats in homes, farms, and businesses. In this guide, we’ll answer that exact question in detail, covering how rats transmit disease, the specific illnesses to watch for, and who is most at risk. We’ll also share practical steps you can take to prevent exposure and reduce the chances of an infestation. With the right information and action, you can protect your family, pets, and property from the health hazards these rodents bring.
Why Worry About Rats?
Rats thrive in human environments, feeding on our food and nesting in our homes. Their presence is not just unsettling—it poses real health risks. Rats contaminate food and surfaces with urine and droppings, carry parasites like fleas, and can even bite. With their ability to spread dangerous diseases worldwide, it’s vital to understand and address the threat they pose.
Also Read: Deadliest Diseases Bats Can Carry
How Do Rats Spread Diseases?
1. Direct Contact
Diseases can be spread through handling rats or being bitten, or scratched. Rat-bite fever is a classic example of a disease transmitted this way. Even minor scratches or open wounds exposed to rat fluids can lead to infections, so wearing protective gloves and practicing careful hygiene is essential.
2. Contaminated Food and Water
Rat urine and droppings can contaminate stored food or water sources, leading to illnesses like leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Consuming contaminated items can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and even kidney damage, highlighting the importance of sealed food storage and routine kitchen sanitation.
3. Airborne Particles
Dried rat droppings, urine, and nesting materials can become airborne, transmitting diseases such as hantavirus when inhaled. Sweeping or vacuuming without proper precautions stirs up infectious dust, making it crucial to wet-clean with disinfectant and wear a mask during cleanup.
4. Parasites on Rats
Fleas, mites, and ticks that live on rats can carry and spread diseases like plague and typhus to humans. These parasites feed on infected rats and then bite humans or pets, making flea control and regular pest inspections important preventive measures for homes and farms.
5. Contaminated Surfaces
Rats often leave urine and droppings on countertops or in pantries, contaminating surfaces and utensils used for food preparation. Even invisible residues can harbor harmful bacteria, so thorough cleaning with disinfectants after any suspected rat activity is essential for health safety.
6. Indirect Environmental Contact
Rats can spread pathogens in soil or water around homes, barns, or farms, making indirect contact risky. Flooding or poor drainage can carry these contaminants to new areas, so maintaining clean surroundings and safe water supplies helps reduce transmission risks significantly.
10 Common Diseases Spread by Rats
1. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated by rat urine. Humans can contract it through skin cuts, eyes, or mucous membranes. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and chills, and in severe cases, it can lead to liver or kidney damage. It’s common in flood-prone areas and poorly drained properties where rats are active.
2. Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, often found in rat droppings or contaminated surfaces. When rats contaminate food, cooking areas, or stored water, they can pass this infection to humans. It typically leads to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and can be especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, or people with weak immune systems.
3. Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a severe respiratory disease spread by inhaling dust contaminated with dried rat urine, droppings, or nesting materials. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and coughing. There is no specific treatment, and the disease can be fatal if not addressed quickly. Avoid sweeping rodent waste—wet-clean instead to reduce airborne particles.
Must Read: How to Get Rid of Rodents
4. Rat-Bite Fever
Rat-Bite Fever (RBF) can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or direct contact with rat saliva or urine. It causes fever, rash, vomiting, joint pain, and muscle aches. Without timely treatment, it can lead to serious complications such as abscesses, infections in the brain, and even heart inflammation in rare cases.
5. Plague
Plague is one of the most infamous diseases historically associated with rats. It’s primarily spread by fleas that infest rats, especially in rural or undeveloped areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and chills. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective, but without it, the disease can be deadly within days.
6. Tularemia
Tularemia, or “rabbit fever,” is caused by bacteria that can be spread through direct contact with infected rats or contaminated environments. It can enter the body through the skin, eyes, or respiratory system and cause fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia or blood infections.
Also Read: Will Ammonia Keep Rats Away?
7. Lassa Fever
Lassa Fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness found mostly in West Africa, caused by the multimammate rat. Humans contract it through contact with infected rat urine or feces, especially in homes where rats are common. Early symptoms include fever and weakness, but it can progress to bleeding, shock, and organ failure if left untreated.
8. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
LCM is a viral infection spread through exposure to fresh urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rats, especially house mice. It can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, malaise, and nausea, and in rare cases, neurological issues like meningitis or encephalitis. Pregnant women should be especially cautious due to fetal risks.
9. Toxoplasmosis
Though more commonly associated with cats, rats can carry the Toxoplasma parasite and contribute to its life cycle. Humans may get infected through contact with contaminated soil, water, or uncooked meat. Toxoplasmosis can lead to mild symptoms or severe complications for pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems.
10. Eosinophilic Meningitis
Caused by the rat lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), this disease spreads when humans accidentally ingest contaminated food or water. It affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to headaches, stiff neck, and neurological symptoms. It’s most common in tropical areas and often linked to raw or unwashed produce.
Helpful for you: Mouse Vs. Rat
Groups Most Vulnerable to Rat-Borne Diseases
- Urban Residents – High population density and poor sanitation increase exposure to rat infestations.
- Farmers and Agricultural Workers – Stored crops and animal feed attract rats, raising the risk of contamination.
- Waste Management Workers – Daily contact with trash and debris heightens the chance of encountering rats.
- Children and Pets – Their curiosity puts them at greater risk of coming into contact with rats or droppings.
- Residents in Flood-Prone Areas – Floods spread contaminated water and force rats into human shelters.
How to Prevent Diseases from Rats
1. Seal Gaps and Holes in Walls, Floors, and Foundations
Rats can squeeze through tiny openings to enter your home. Inspect your property for cracks, gaps, or holes—especially near pipes, vents, and baseboards—and seal them with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh. Blocking these entry points is the first step in preventing rats from getting inside and spreading harmful diseases.
2. Store Food in Sealed, Rat-Proof Containers
Food attracts rats, so keeping all items in airtight, chew-proof containers is essential. Avoid using thin plastic or cardboard boxes, as rats can easily gnaw through them. Storing food securely reduces the risk of contamination and helps keep rodents from invading your kitchen or pantry.
3. Clean Up Food Spills and Garbage Promptly
Rats are scavengers that thrive on leftover crumbs, grease, and trash. Wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and dispose of garbage regularly. Keeping your home clean, especially in the kitchen and dining areas, minimizes attractants that can lure rats and lead to infestations.
4. Eliminate Clutter and Nesting Sites in and Around Your Home
Cluttered spaces like basements, garages, and attics provide rats with ideal nesting spots. Remove piles of paper, cardboard, or fabric, and keep storage areas tidy and elevated off the floor. Reducing hiding places discourages rats from settling near or inside your living spaces.
5. Use Traps or Hire Professional Help if Needed
For small infestations, strategically placed traps may help. However, for ongoing or severe problems, it’s safer and more effective to contact professionals. Wildlife Removal Companies like Wildout offer safe, humane rat removal services that protect your home and health from the dangers rats pose.
6. Always Wear Gloves and Masks When Cleaning Rat-Contaminated Areas
Rats carry bacteria and viruses in their droppings and urine, which can become airborne when disturbed. Always wear disposable gloves and a mask when cleaning areas where rats have been. Use disinfectants and avoid dry sweeping to minimize the risk of inhaling harmful particles.
You May Also Like: Lagomorphs vs Rodents
When to Call Professionals
If you suspect a serious rat infestation or consistently see signs like droppings, chewed wires, nesting materials, or foul odors, it’s a strong indication that professional help is needed. Wildout’s rat removal services in your area are designed to not only eliminate existing rodents but also identify and seal potential entry points to stop future infestations. Rats can carry harmful diseases, contaminate food, and damage property, so delaying action can make the situation worse. Our licensed team uses safe, humane, and proven methods to ensure your home is thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and protected. Don’t risk your health or property—trust Wildout for effective, long-term rat control solutions that give you peace of mind.
Conclusion
Rats are more than just a nuisance—they’re proven carriers of serious diseases that threaten human and animal health. Understanding what diseases rats spread, how they transmit these illnesses, and who is most at risk empowers you to take effective preventive steps. By keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and managing food storage carefully, you can greatly reduce the risk of rat infestations and the health hazards they bring. Don’t wait for signs of trouble—act proactively to protect your family and property.
FAQs
Can you get sick from touching a rat?
Yes. Handling rats, their droppings, or urine without proper protection can transmit diseases like rat-bite fever or leptospirosis.
Do all rats carry disease?
Not every individual rat is infected, but rats are known reservoirs for many diseases worldwide. It’s safest to assume any wild rat may pose a health risk.
How can I safely clean rat droppings?
Wear gloves and a mask. Dampen droppings with disinfectant to prevent dust. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings to reduce airborne particles. Dispose of waste in sealed bags.
What should I do if bitten by a rat?
Wash the wound immediately with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and seek medical care. Rat bites can cause infections like rat-bite fever, which may require antibiotics.
Is professional pest control necessary?
If you suspect an infestation or can’t manage rats on your own, professional pest control can safely and effectively remove them and help prevent future problems.