The household rats species common to North America are the roof rat and the Norway rat. Between these two species, they are responsible for over 70 known diseases that can harm, and even kill, humans.
Some of these diseases are caused by the bite or saliva of a rat. Other diseases can be spread by the parasites that live on rats. Rat fleas, in particular, are responsible for bubonic plague. The waste products that rats leave behind, though, can also carry deadly diseases.
The two most prevalent rat waste diseases are Hantavirus and leptospirosis. Another disease that can be contracted through rat urine is lymphocytic choriomeningitis.
Hantavirus is caused by the inhalation of the dust from rat droppings. Hantavirus causes cardiovascular shock, as well as renal failure. The dust of the dried droppings can easily be breathed in, unless you are wearing a facemask. Leptospirosis is transmitted through the urine of rats. Complications of this disease include liver and kidney failure, as well as heart problems. Half of the reported cases of leptospirosis result in death.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is another rat-borne disease that is passed along through the urine or saliva of an infected rat. This disease exhibits symptoms similar to the flu, such as body aches, nausea and vomiting. Eventually, inflammation of the nervous system and possible meningitis can occur. The symptoms of lymphocytic choriomeningitis do not present themselves consistently. Some victims experience a host of problems, and a lifetime of debilitation, while others seem not to show any signs of the disease, beyond temporary discomfort.
Never handle any rat waste without the proper protection. Wear gloves, a facemask and use strong disinfectant solutions that will kill all of the germs left behind. Be sure and discard the clothing you are wearing after you have cleaned up the waste.