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A New York City resident recently died from exposure to a rat-borne bacteria, leptospirosis. Two others were hospitalized.
Solving rat, rodent and many other pest issues is vitally important to protect human health. Structural and Landscape rodent exclusion is one of our specialities.
Leptospirosis is just one of many rodent-borne pathogens. The CDC says that without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress and death.
Here are a few basic precautions after possible exposure:
- Avoid contact with rats or with places where rats may have urinated.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with areas where rats may live.
- If you cannot avoid areas where rats have been seen, or are cleaning areas where rats have been, use a solution of one part household bleach and 10 parts water to kill the leptospirosis bacteria.
- Protect yourself from contact with their urine: wear rubber gloves (especially if you have any cuts or sores on your hands or arms), boots, masks and some type of eye wear.
Additional information available at: https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis
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