Squirrels are known to carry numerous diseases, though only a few are dangerous to humans. Some of the more common diseases that squirrels carry and can transmit to humans include:
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Tularemia: An infectious disease that attacks the skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and lungs. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, ulcers, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.
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Typhus: A bacterial infection that causes fever, headache, vomiting, jaundice, and rash.
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Plague: A bacterial infection that can be transmitted through bites or other forms of direct contact with infected squirrels. Symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
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Ringworm: A highly contagious fungal infection that is usually spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal or indirect contact. An infected squirrel in your attic can contaminate a variety of objects and surfaces like floors, towels, furniture, and clothing.
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Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with squirrel waste. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Salmonellosis: A bacterial disease caused by Salmonella bacteria found in squirrel droppings. Symptoms include severe gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
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Lyme disease: A tick-borne disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with ticks that squirrels host. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, and skin rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can result in facial palsy, arthritis, and heart palpitations, among other severe symptoms.
It is important to note that while squirrels can carry and transmit these diseases, the risk of contracting them is relatively low. However, individuals should monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention after coming in contact with squirrel urine or feces. Breathing in particles of the animals excrement is the most common method of disease transmission. To avoid contracting any diseases squirrels carry, it is best to keep squirrels off your property and out of houses by properly sealing entry points like windows, doors, and holes in the roof.
