what disease do rats carry
Pet rats may carry a variety of diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis and plague. Most pet rats are not exposed to these diseases, but if the rat is a carrier, many of these diseases can be transmitted to humans. Prevent the spread of disease from your pet rat by using good hygiene when handling him.
Monkeypox is a rare virus that rats can carry. The disease originated in Africa, but an outbreak occurred in the United States in 2003. The virus spreads to humans through the bite of an infected rodent or direct contact with body fluids. Humans experience fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and lesions.