Rat Bite Fever—A Danger in Handling Rodents
A Bacterial Disease Spread to People Through Rodent Bites/Scratches
May 31, 2009
Rat bite fever rarely causes a problem for the rats which are carriers, but it is a risk for those who are bitten by rats. While most commonly seen when bitten by a wild rat, pet rats and other pet rodents have been known to transmit rat bite fever as well.
What is Rat Bite Fever?Rat bite fever is a disease which is caused by one of two infectious agents: Streptobacillus moniliformis and/or Spirillum minus. The disease is spread through the bite or scratch of a rat or other pet rodent.
What are the Symptoms of Rat Bite Fever?Symptoms seen in people with rat bite fever include:
- fever
- headache
- chills
- vomiting
- rash on the hands and/or feet
- arthritis, often in more than one joint
- other complications depending on which organ system is infected
What Animals can Transmit Rat Bite Fever?Most commonly transmitted by wild rats, rat bite fever can also be spread by pet rats. Cases of rat bite fever spread by other species of pet rodents have been documented as well and include:
- mice
- Spinifex hopping mice
- gerbils
- guinea pigs
- squirrels
Very rarely, infection from animals which feed on rats can occur. These animals would include dogs, cats, ferrets and weasels. There are also a few extremely rare reports of infections in calves, pigs, turkeys, koalas, and non-human primates.
Who can be Affected by Rat Bite Fever?Anyone bitten by an infected rodent can suffer from rat bite fever. Because the infection is most commonly spread by wild rats, the most commonly involved people are homeless people, farmers, pest control workers, sewage workers, laboratory workers who handle rats and other rodents, hunters, trappers and tourists who visit rat-infested tourist attractions.
Children appear to be more easily infected than adults and are most often infected with rat bite fever. Children handling pet rats at school are commonly affected.
How is Rat Bite Fever Treated?Rat bite fever is treated with antibiotics, with penicillin being the antibiotic of choice. However, there have been some penicillin resistant strains of rat bite fever diagnosed as well.
In addition to antibiotics, if systemic infection has caused organ damage or arthritis, additional treatment specific to the individual's symptoms and illness may need to be instituted.
How can Rat Bite Fever be Avoided?
When considering the purchase of a pet rat or other pet rodent, specific-pathogen-free pets should be obtained as they are free of rat bite fever and other diseases which can affect the human handlers of these pets. Since the development of specific-pathogen-free rats, mice and other rodents, the incidence of rat bite fever has decreased considerably. These specific-pathogen-free rats and mice are now commonly used in laboratories to reduce the incidence of infection as well.
When handling pet rats or other pet rodents, take care to avoid being bitten or scratched. Avoid startling or scaring the animal. Wear gloves if appropriate. Children handling pet rats and other pet rodents should be supervised by an adult.
Consult a physician should you or a family member be bitten by a pet rat or other pet rodent, and particularly if bitten by a wild rat. Consult a physician if you or a family member suffer from any of the symptoms of rat bite fever after handling a rat or other pet rodent.
Workers likely to be exposed to wild rats (pest control workers, sewage workers, etc) should wear protective clothing gear such as high boots and leather gauntlets or gloves to avoid being bitten by wild rats.
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