The rat population of Providence, Rhode Island is concentrated in less affluent neighborhoods. Rats are a problem for residents for economic, physical and psychological reasons. Most health hazards linked to rats through history and fable, such as the plague, are not pertinent in Providence.
Leptospirosis is a disease transmitted through contact with contaminated rat urine.
This illness is documented in New England cities and Rhode Island physicians should be aware of the symptoms and treatments for rat-transmitted diseases. Some Providence residents are concerned about their children being bit by rats. Rats in the neighborhood are undesirable and bring down the moral of the residents. More than health, the presence of rats is an indicator of quality of life. Providence needs to invest time and energy into improving its rodent control program in step with the other urban revitalization initiatives that the city government is attempting.