hEALTH RISKS

Blood and other body fluids can contain viruses that cause HIV and hepatitis. Even if a person shows no signs of illness, these viruses can be in the blood. Contact with surfaces that have held blood and body fluids can transmit viruses long after cleaning if not disinfected properly.

Many illnesses that affect humans can be found in pest and insect feces and urine. Hantavirus, leptospirosis, plague, and tularemia are spread by rats and can be found in their urine and fecal matter. Proper cleaning with chemicals that kill the virus and bacteria on surfaces is crucial to protecting health.