Rats can carry many diseases that can spread to humans directly or indirectly. Some of the diseases that rats can carry include:

Diseases directly transmitted by rats:

• Hantavirus
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
• Tularemia
• Salmonella
• Rat-bite fever
• Plague

Diseases indirectly transmitted by rats:

• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Colorado tick fever
• Lyme disease
• Murine typhus
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Rats can transmit these diseases through various modes of transmission, such as direct contact with infected rodents, their urine, feces, or saliva, as well as through bites, scratches, or consumption of contaminated food or water. It is essential to maintain a clean and rodent-free environment in and around your home, practice good hygiene, store food properly, and use personal protective equipment when handling rodents or cleaning up their droppings to reduce the risk of these diseases. If you suspect exposure to any of these diseases or develop symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.