Contamination status of hospitals and health care centers by rodents (Rodentia: Muridae) in Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Rats are considered as an important potential reservoir for some zoonotic diseases and have an important role in the transmission and spreading them. This research was performed with the purpose of studying the contamination status of hospitals and health care centers in Kashan. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, six hospitals and 17 health care centers in Kashan were studied. Traps were placed in different parts of the hospitals and health care centers. Rats were recognized based on their morphological parameters and the related information was recorded in the questionnaires. After extracting the necessary data, tables and graphs were drawn and the results were analyzed. Results: This study showed that out of six studying hospitals, four were contaminated by rats and out of these four hospitals, one unit was contaminated by Rattuss rattusus and three units by Mus musculus. Also out of 17 health care centers, four were contaminated by house mice. Discussion and Conclusion: Contamination and damage by rats in hospitals and health care centers is significant. It is recommended that authorities take necessary measures to prevent the contamination of hospitals and health care centers by rats. They should also try to control or eradicate them. Copyright © 2018 Journal of Communicable Diseases