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Rodents may carry rare disease
Rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and squirrels are among the rodents that carry rat-bite fever (RBF).
People can get the disease from contact with rodents infected with the bacteria that causes RBF, which most commonly is Streptobacillus moniliformis. Infected rodents show no signs of illness, which makes it impossible to determine whether it is a carrier.
In the United States, RBF is rare; however, if you are bitten or scratched by a rodent and develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately. Fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain and a rash may develop up to 21 days after contact with an infected rodent. Early treatment with antibiotics may prevent RBF complications.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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