Having a Rat as a Pet Is Not Without Risk

Symptoms occur 3-10 days after exposure; however, they can be delayed up to several weeks. Symptoms include chills/fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, painful swelling of the joints (polyarthralgia), fatigue and rash (Figure 4). Symptoms are nonspecific and can be confused with other diseases. It is a difficult diagnosis and the diagnosis could be delayed.