Philadelphia Rat Removal Tip: Are rat feces dangerous to touch or breathe?

Yes! Rat feces, especially urine, can be deadly if you come into contact with it or breathe it in. Here are some of the diseases that can be contracted from rat to human:

1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

HPS is spread from inhaling the virus through rat droppings, urine and even the saliva of infected rats. It is a serious respiratory disease that is extremely deadly to humans, with symptoms usually appearing from 1 to 5 weeks after exposure. Some symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue and fever, coughing, tightness around the chest and shortness of breath. Although there is no known cure, persons exposed to rats and who are experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor immediately where they would more than likely be placed on oxygen and a ventilator.

2. Leptospirosis or Weil's Disease (a severe form of Leptospirosis)

This disease is spread from being in contact with rat urine, blood or tissue of infected rats. It is a type of bacterial infection that can cause organ failure such as brain, liver, lungs, heart and kidneys, leading to eventual death, with symptoms usually appearing from 2 to 30 days after being infected. Symptoms include mild flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, loss of appetite, headaches and coughing. Treatment for this disease would be to issue antibiotics such as penicillin and doxycycline, intravenously, as well as connection to a ventilator if there are problems breathing. Should the kidneys be infected or damaged, the patient may need to undergo dialysis.

3. Salmonellosis

Spread by ingesting contaminated food that contains rat feces or urine. It is an intestinal bacteria disease that takes from between 12 to 72 hours before it becomes noticeable. Some persons may not even experience any symptoms at all and is not necessarily life threatening but it can be if the infection is spread further than the intestines. Symptoms include blood in the stool, fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting. Most times, salmonella is classified as a stomach flu called gastroenteritis with symptoms lasting from 2 to 7 days and diarrhea may last for up to 10 days. It may take several months before bowels regularize though. Anti-diarrhea and antibiotics may be used to treat salmonella and for more severe cases causing dehydration, may warrant hospitalization and for fluids to be administered intravenously.

4. Rat-Bite Fever (RBF)

RBF is spread through contaminated food or exposure to rat feces and urine of infected rats. RBF is a bacterial disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms may be experienced 3 days after exposure, but it can also take up to 3 weeks to show. Usually, a rash may appear on the hands and feet, lymph nodes may swell, and a repeated fever may occur. Other symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, headache and vomiting. If left untreated, RBF can lead to meningitis, pneumonia, heart infections such as endocarditis, pericarditis or myocarditis and abscesses in the internal organs. Antibiotics are used to cure this disease; the most commonly issued drug is penicillin.