05-13-1987 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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l NCL-SURi'. y1 DISEASES AND CHARACTERISTICS, OF RODENTS .DISEASES CARRIED BY RODENTS 1. Plague - Eighty species of rodents carry plague virus, though the rat is the only rodent documented as spreading the disease: The rodent flea transfers the disease to various animals including man. Untreated Bubonic Plague has a 50% fatality rate. 2. Salmonellosis - A severe bacterial infection which can be spread to humans by contaminated rodent droppings. The salmonella infection is commonly manifested by sudden onset of headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever; nausea, and sometimes vomiting. This disease is rarely fatal except among the very young, the very old, or the debilitated. 3. Campylobacter Enteritis - An acute intestinal disease characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Can result in prolonged illness or relapses. The disease is spread by ingesting food contaminated by the bacteria and also by handling infected rodents or pets. Rodents are a documented reservoir for this disease which is a common cause of diarrhea worldwide. 4. Tetanus (Lockjaw) - Disease characterized by painful muscular contractions. The case fatality rate varies from 30 - 90 %. The reservoir of the disease causing organism is the intestine of animals and soil contaminated with animal feces. The disease is spread by puncture wounds including animal bites. 5. Lyme Disease - Symptoms include: fatigue, neurological abnormalities, cardiac abnormalities and chronic arthritis. One reservoirfor the disease is wild rodents and the disease is spread by a tick. This disease has occurred in Hennepin County. 6. LaCrosse Encephalitis - An acute inflammatory disease involving parts of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. The reservoirs for the disease are believed to be rodents, birds, bats, or reptiles. The disease is spread by the Treehole Mosquito bite. 7. Lepto Spirosis (Weil's Disease) - The disease is spread by urine of infected animals. Symptoms include: fever, chills, jaundice and renal insufficiency. Rodents act as the normal carrier host, although other animals may become infected and spread the disease. The disease is common in both urban and rural areas and is rarely fatal. 8. Murine Typhus Fever - Symptoms include: headache, fever, chills, prostration and general pains. The disease occurs worldwide and is found where people and rodents occupy the same buildings and where large numbers of mice live. Rodents are the reservoir and the disease is spread by infective rodent fleas. Page 23