Pet rats are intelligent and social animals that can make great companions. However, it is important to be aware that they can also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. These diseases are known as zoonoses, and they can range from mild to severe. In some cases, they can even be fatal.

### How Can Rats Make You Sick?

Rats can transmit diseases to humans through their urine, feces, saliva, and bites. Some of the most common diseases that rats carry include:

1. Rat-bite fever: This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bite of a rat. Symptoms of rat-bite fever can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and swelling at the site of the bite.

2. Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with rat urine or feces. Symptoms of leptospirosis can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

3. Hantavirus: This is a viral infection that can be transmitted through contact with rat urine or feces. Symptoms of hantavirus can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and shortness of breath.

4. Plague: This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bite of a flea that has fed on a rat. Symptoms of plague can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and swelling of the lymph nodes.

### How to Prevent Getting Sick from Pet Rats

There are a number of things you can do to prevent getting sick from your pet rat:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your rat or cleaning its cage.

2. Keep your rat's cage clean and free of feces and urine.

3. Do not allow your rat to roam freely around the house, where it could come into contact with food or other objects that you may touch.

4. Take your rat to the veterinarian for regular checkups to ensure that it is healthy and free of disease.

### What to Do If You Think You've Been Exposed to a Disease from a Pet Rat

If you think you've been exposed to a disease from a pet rat, it is important to see a doctor right away. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of making a full recovery.

### Conclusion

Pet rats can make great companions, but it is important to be aware of the diseases that they can carry. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help prevent getting sick from your pet rat.

Can Pet Rats Make You Sick?