The Most Common Parasites In Rodents
Rodents are often one of the most serious health problems in densely populated urban areas. A poor handling of solid waste at a general level, as well as poor cleaning and personal hygiene measures, are usually two of the factors that promote the appearance of mice and rats.
Both species, rats and mice, are a good sample of these mammals, which include about 2,280 other species. Obviously, not all of these species are a pest risk for humans.
But the difficulties with some of these animals are not only limited to the metropolises. Rural areas do not escape being threatened by this plague. That is why, throughout history, almost regardless of the coordinates, they have been considered one of the most lethal pests.
Rodents, unfairly stigmatized?
The classification of all rodents as a calamity is not entirely accurate. Its negative action, as well as its ‘capacity’ to transport parasites, viruses and bacteria, has been greatly favored by the disorderly expansion of human civilizations.
In addition, among the members of this category are examples such as guinea pigs, a species that has been used – some say it has been abused – for a long time as an object of study in experiments of a highly varied nature.
Similarly, many of these animals have long lived as pets, while others, despite being kept primarily as wild animals, enjoy great sympathy and popularity. Among these you can mention squirrels.
Rodents: carriers of parasites, viruses, bacteria, diseases …
Many people have the wrong idea that only rats and mice carry diseases that are very harmful to human health. However, other species such as marmots, voles, prairie dogs, and even the ‘friendly’ squirrels, can transmit pathologies of moderate or very high severity.
First of all, almost all species in this family serve as a dwelling place and food source for various ectoparasites or external parasites. The most common are fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. Mosquitoes and flies are also included in the list.
Additionally, various investigations have shown that rats can carry up to 13 zoonotic parasites. That is, they can be transmitted and negatively affect people.
This risk of infection not only occurs with specimens that are in the city and feed on the garbage. It includes those who live in agricultural environments and maintain healthier diets.
But that is not all. Rodents also become hosts for 10 other non-zoonotic parasites. Specimens have also been found that present up to nine different species of these organisms, in the dangerous ‘versions’ for humans. Hence the high risk involved in sharing spaces with them.
Channels of contagion
The ways in which a rodent can transmit parasites and diseases to people are very varied. Sometimes it is enough that the skin comes into direct contact with the excrement of these animals. Not just urine and feces, but also saliva. The risk of transfer is equally high through inhalation.
Victims of bite and scratch attacks are almost always treated in health centers as very possible new recipients of some pathology, hence the measures taken when this occurs are extremely aggressive.
Rodents can also contaminate food in a very simple way, making them unwelcome visitors in kitchens, mainly those of bars and restaurants, as well as any place where prepared or unprepared food is sold, including packaged products.
Another very dangerous risk to human health is that rodents have the undesirable ability to poison water or any liquid with which they hardly have contact.
More common diseases
The list of pathologies whose transmission to humans falls directly on rodents is headed by salmonella. Its symptoms, which appear 12 to 72 hours after infection, include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.
But without a doubt the most infamous disease related to these animals –exclusively rats– is the plague. Responsible for thousands of deaths throughout history – more than the sum of all wars – and for the dramatic decline in population at certain times.
