RODENTS AND HEALTH HAZARDS

It's not uncommon in Las Vegas especially during the winter months, to have an unpleasant encounter with a rodent who has made its way into your home uninvited. What you might not realize rodents, such as rats, mice, prairie dogs and rabbits, are associated with a number of health risks. In fact, rats and mice are known to spread more than 35 diseases.

Rodent droppings can trigger allergies and transmit food borne illness such as salmonella, and as mice are capable of dropping up to 25,000 fecal pellets each year, an estimated 70 times each day - prevention and prompt removal in case of an infestation is key.

There are several diseases you should be aware of:

HANTAVIRUS is found primarily in the western United States. This virus is carried by the deer and white-footed mouse and the cotton and rice rat. People become infected with Hantavirus through several routes, but rodent infestation in and around the home remain the primary risk. The virus is mainly transmitted to people when fresh rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are stirred up, become airborne and are breathed in by people. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches in the thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. The infected person may also experience headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal complaints, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain

LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS (LCM). The primary host of LCMV is the common house mouse. It is estimated that 5 percent of house mice throughout the United States carry LCMV and are able to transmit the virus. Transmission of LCMV infections can occur after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials from infected rodents. Infections are more common in the colder months when mice enter homes seeking warmer winter habitats. An LCMV infection has two phases; the first phase has non-specific signs and symptoms such as fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Less frequent symptoms include sore throat, cough, joint pain, chest pain, testicular pain, and salivary gland pain. The second phase of illness is dominated by neurologic disease. Symptoms may include meningitis (fever, headache, stiff neck, etc.), encephalitis (drowsiness, confusion, sensory disturbances, and/or motor abnormalities, such as paralysis), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of both the brain and meninges).

PLAGUE is infamous for killing millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is a disease that affects humans and other mammals and is caused by the An LCMV infection has two phases; the first phase has non-specific signs and symptoms such as fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Less frequent symptoms include sore throat, cough, joint pain, chest pain, testicular pain, and salivary gland pain. The second phase of illness is dominated by neurologic disease. Symptoms may include meningitis (fever, headache, stiff neck, etc.), encephalitis (drowsiness, confusion, sensory disturbances, and/or motor abnormalities, such as paralysis), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of both the brain and meninges) bacterium, Yesinia pestis. Humans usually get plague after being bitten by an infected rodent flea or by handling an animal infected with plagueing millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages. The last urban outbreak of rat-associated plague in the United States occurred in Los Angeles in 1924-1925.

To get rid of all rodents or other pests you might encounter in the Las Vegas Valley contact GLOBAL PEST SERVICES.  The licensed professional technicians are well trained in eliminating all pests.  Get your quote now!

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