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- 1Climate change may worsen rodent-borne disease risks▼Changing climate may influence risks from deadly rodent-borne diseases
New reporting from researchers, including work covered by the Natural History Museum and Phys.org, suggests shifting climate conditions could change the risks humans face from deadly rodent-borne diseases. Changes in temperature and rainfall may alter rodent habitats and populations, potentially bringing infected animals into closer contact with people and expanding where diseases like hantavirus and Lassa fever pose a threat.
- 2Flea-borne typhus outbreak investigated in Los Angeles neighborhood●Flea-borne typhus outbreak under investigation in Wilshire Center
Health officials are investigating a flea-borne typhus outbreak in the Wilshire Center neighborhood of Los Angeles. The bacterial illness, spread to people through infected fleas often carried by rats, cats and opossums, can cause fever, headache and rash. The report has drawn significant attention from residents concerned about rodent populations and sanitation in the area.
- 3Volunteer 'Rat Rangers' lead evening walks through Washington DC alleys▼🐀 NEW: In Washington, DC, volunteer "Rat Rangers" lead evening walks through alleys to teach residents that # sanitation
In Washington, DC, a group of volunteers called the Rat Rangers leads evening walks through alleys to teach residents that better sanitation, not poison, is the key to rodent control. About two dozen neighbors join each walk to learn about rat biology and the toll rodenticides take. The group formed after a 2024 study found rodenticides in local wildlife.
- 4Climate change warned to raise deadly rodent-borne disease risks●Warning climate change could increase risks from deadly rodent-borne diseases
Health and climate experts are warning that a warming planet could increase the risks from deadly rodent-borne diseases. As temperatures and rainfall patterns shift, rodent populations and habitats may expand, raising the chances of diseases such as hantavirus or leptospirosis spreading to more people. Reports are urging better surveillance and preparedness as climate conditions grow more favorable to outbreaks.