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What diseases can squirrels carry?

Writer's picture: SolocalwildlifeSolocalwildlife

1. Leptospirosis: Is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with water or surfaces contaminated by urine. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and more severe symptoms in some cases.



2. Salmonella: Is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with squirrel feces. It can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.



3. Hantavirus: While more commonly associated with rodents like rats, squirrels can carry hantavirus, which can be transmitted through their droppings, urine, or saliva. Inhaling airborne particles can lead to severe respiratory illness.



4. Tularemia: Is a bacterial disease which can be transmitted by handling infected squirrels or coming into contact with their feces or urine. Symptoms include fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.



5. Ringworm: Is a highly contagious fungal infection, which usually spreads through direct or indirect contact with an infected person or animal. An infected squirrel in the attic could contaminate objects and surfaces such as floors, furniture, and clothing. Ringworm symptoms include a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash and is itchy and can cause skin to blister and peel.



6. Lyme disease: Is spread by the ticks which squirrels can carry, symptoms include nerve pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.



7. Rabies: While rare in squirrels, squirrels can still be a vector. It can be transmitted through the saliva via bites or scratches. Symptoms in humans include fever, headache, and agitation, eventually progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Once a human has a symptom it's 100% fatal.





Some of these diseases can be fatal to humans if left untreated. Coming into contact with squirrel urine or feces and inhaling particles of the excrement is a common way diseases are transmitted. If you develop any symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal issues after exposure, it's crucial to seek medical attention.

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