Can rodents really affect the health of older adults?
Answer:
Yes. Rodents can spread bacteria and viruses through droppings, urine, saliva, and contaminated food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents are known to carry diseases such as Salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. Older adults may be more vulnerable because aging immune systems and chronic health conditions can make infections harder to fight.