Rare Illness Discovered in Illinois
Illinois state officials have recently confirmed the existence of a rare viral illness linked to facilities where rats are bred. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a news release some time ago revealing that several health agencies including the CDC have been investigating illnesses caused by a rare virus type carried by Norway rats, called the Seoul virus. While the virus cannot be spread from person to person, rodents are able to transmit it through bites and people can contract it from being in close proximity to infected rodents or their droppings and urine. [caption id="attachment_14454" align="alignnone" width="551"]![](https://www.skedaddlewildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2016-7-1024x576.jpg)
Other Dangers Involving Rats and Mice
Rodents in general can be hazardous for humans in more ways than one. In addition to posing a risk for human health, rats and mice can also cause significant structural damage if an infestation is present in a home. While slightly larger than mice, rats are still small in comparison to humans. This doesn’t mean you should ignore their presence; they pose a big threat to homes and properties for a number of reasons. Rats are able to easily chew through countless different surfaces because they have incredibly strong teeth. This can lead to significant damage and problems such as:- Floods – because they need to constantly chew on something, rats can actually gnaw through water pipes and cause a flood.
- Fires – it is very easy for rats to chew away at the insulation surrounding electrical cables and wires.
- Possibility of death – in extreme scenarios, rats or mice could damage a gas line.