Rat-bite fever
Alternate Names : Streptobacillary fever, Streptobacillosis, Haverhill fever, Epidemic arthritic erythema, Spirillary fever, Sodoku
Definition
Rat-bite fever is a rare disease spread by infected rodents.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Rat-bite fever can be caused by the bacteria, Actinobacillus muris (formerly called Streptobacillus moniliformis) and Spirillum minus. Most cases of rat-bite fever occur in Japan, where it is called sodoku. The disease has also been seen in: - Africa
- Australia
- Europe
- North and South America
Most people get rat-bite fever through contact with urine or secretions from the mouth, eye, or nose of an infected animal. This most commonly occurs though a bite, yet some cases may occur simply through contact with these secretions. The source of the infection is usually a rat. Other animals that may cause infection include squirrels, weasels, and gerbils.
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