A zoonotic disease is any illness spread by an animal to a human. Zoonotic diseases may be bacterial, viral or fungal, and they are spread by all kinds of animals, from small insects to large mammals. One of the greatest threats posed by pest infestations in Las Vegas is that many pests are spreaders of life-threatening zoonotic diseases. Keep reading to learn more about the pest-transmitted diseases which are a threat in our community.
Zoonotic Diseases Spread by Las Vegas Pests
- Hantavirus – This dangerous virus is spread by various species of rodents, and is among the most dangerous zoonotic diseases that you can come across in Las Vegas. When mice or rats infest a building, the virus can spread from their urine and droppings to the people living and working in close proximity to them. Those infected may contract hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a potentially life-threatening illness which first appears with fever-like symptoms including aches, chills and nausea. Late-stage HPS causes lungs to fill with fluid, leading to difficulty with breathing and sometimes resulting in death for the infected. There is no cure for hantavirus but if symptoms are identified early, intensive care can help a patient make a full recovery.
- Histoplasmosis – A fungal disease found in the droppings of birds and bats, histoplasmosis can be a serious health threat if you have a bat or pigeon infestation on your property in Las Vegas. If you breathe in histoplasma particles, you may be infected with this disease, which causes symptoms that can last for a month or more. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, aches and pains. Some people may overcome histoplasmosis on their own but, in severe cases, patients may need to receive ongoing treatment for up to a year.
- Psittacosis – A bacterial disease which afflicts many types of birds, psittacosis is commonly spread by pigeons. When infected pigeons scatter their droppings over your business or home in the Las Vegas Valley, particles containing the bacteria may be breathed in by people on the property, causing psittacosis. Thankfully, psittacosis is usually not a life-threatening illness but it does cause feverish symptoms, a dry cough and muscle aches. Diagnosis of psittacosis can be difficult but, when successfully diagnosed, it can be treated easily with antibiotics.
- Salmonella – This harmful bacteria can be spread by many different kinds of pests in the Las Vegas Valley, including cockroaches, rodents and pharaoh ants, making it one of the most common zoonotic diseases in the world. Salmonella outbreaks frequently occur when infected animals make contact with a person’s food. Those infected with salmonella will experience a fever along with severe stomach cramps and diarrhea for up to a week. Most people will recover on their own but, in rare cases, salmonella can lead to hospitalization and even death.
Prevent Zoonotic Disease Transmission With Pest Control
The best way to keep yourself safe from zoonotic diseases is to prevent a pest infestation from spreading through your home or business. Get in touch with D-Termination Pest Control today if you’d like professional pest control services in the Las Vegas Valley!
