Wednesday, May 2, 2012

RAT RELATED HEALTH HAZARDS & DISEASES

 aHantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. HPS was first recognized in 1993 and has since been identified throughout the United States. Although rare, HPS is potentially deadly. Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection.  

Murine Typhus: Murine typhus (caused by infection with R. typhi) occurs worldwide and is transmitted to humans by rat fleas. Flea-infested rats can be found throughout the year in humid tropical environments, but in temperate regions are most common during the warm summer months. Travelers who visit in rat-infested buildings and homes, especially in harbor or riverine environments, can be at risk for exposure to the agent of murine typhus.

Rat-bite fever (RBF): Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a systemic bacterial illness caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis that can be acquired through the bite or scratch of a rodent or the ingestion of food or water contaminated with rat feces.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium: As its name suggests, it causes a typhoid-like disease in mice. In humans S. Typhimurium does not cause as severe disease as S. Typhi, and is not normally fatal. The disease is characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and nausea, and generally lasts up to 7 days. Unfortunately, in immunocompromized people, that is the elderly, young, or people with depressed immune systems, Salmonella infections are often fatal if they are not treated with antibiotics.

Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs.

Eosinophilic Meningitis: Eosinophilic meningitis is an infection of the brain occurring in association with an increase in the number of eosinophils, white blood cells that are associated with infection with worms that penetrate into the body. The organism most commonly causing eosinophilic meningitis is a rat lung worm called angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Information from:

Green Sabah says: Previously on the article New Strategy to Reduce KK rats population, We have discussed about the City Hall Public Health's effort for reducing the rat population in the city, here we bring you some information regarding the various diseases that rats carries.

7 comments:

Green Sabah said...

However I do hope that the DBKK will put down the rats as humanely as possible.

Anak Sabah said...

Rupanya ini adalah jenis-jenis penyakit yang dibawa oleh tikus liar, diharapkan DBKK mempunyai strategi yang berkesan untuk mengurangkan bilangan tikus ini.

Anak Sabah said...

Jika bilangan tikus ini tidak dikawal, mungkin masalah kesihatan akan timbul terutamanya di tempat makan seperti restoran.

Green Sabah said...

The City Mayor Abidin Madingkir is reviewing and coming up with a better strategy to reduce the population of rats in the city. I hope they will succeed.

Green Sabah said...

Agree, just look at all the diseases above which are carried by the rats, I believe no one will wish these diseases to spread.

mantera said...

tikus membawa pelbagai penyakit. oleh itu, bilangan tikus kena sentiasa dikawal.

Azroy said...

controlling or reduce them can be a challenge. they reproduce monthly. A single rat can produce 120 or more offspring per year. Rats are smart, and traps alone may not be enough.. so hopefully DBKK is able to come up with 'smart' strategy as well to control they number..

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