A strain of hepatitis E, which had previously been found only in rats and ferrets, was found in a Hong Kong man in 2018, making it the first of such case worldwide.1
Symptoms of hepatitis E include fever, nausea, jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, and an enlarged liver. In rare cases, hepatitis E can be fatal.2 In the run-up to World Hepatitis Day, which falls on 28 July every year, let us review how we can improve environmental hygiene in order to prevent rat breeding.
A spotless household
Every household plays a part in the prevention of rodent infestation. Members of the public can help in rodent control by keeping their home and surrounding environment clean.3
- Properly covering their garbage bins, especially those containing food scraps;
- Emptying garbage bins daily;
- Tying up garbage bags before disposing of them in properly-covered containers at garbage collection points;
- Putting away disused items at home and in communal areas;
- Regularly inspecting concealed areas, for example, false ceilings and air ducts, and sealing holes if found;
- Keeping houseplants clean and neat.
Expect the unexpected
Eliminating rodent nuisance is not as difficult as it sounds when everyone does their bit. That said, life is unpredictable. Illnesses, including those that one may not have even thought possible — just like rat hepatitis E — could strike out of nowhere.
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