How do rats and mice primarily spread diseases?

Rats and mice primarily spread diseases through both direct and indirect methods, making the choice of both correct.

Direct transmission occurs when pathogens are passed from rodents to humans through bites or scratches. Additionally, when these rodents come into contact with people, they can directly contaminate open wounds or mucous membranes.

Indirect transmission takes place when rodents contaminate the environment with their urine, droppings, or saliva. These excretions can harbor various pathogens, which can then become airborne or contaminate surfaces and food sources. For instance, when dust from contaminated areas is disturbed, it can release particles that contain diseases such as hantavirus or leptospirosis, leading to respiratory illnesses or infections when inhaled or ingested.

Understanding the dual pathways through which rats and mice can disseminate diseases helps in developing effective control measures and prevention strategies to reduce the risk of rodent-related illnesses.