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.