Do Baby Squirrels Carry Diseases?

December 24, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

There are many diseases that baby squirrels can carry. Some of these diseases may be deadly to humans, while others may only cause mild discomfort. It is important to know which diseases baby squirrels can carry so that you can take proper precautions when handling them.

Squirrels are rodents, and like all rodents, they can carry diseases. Baby squirrels are especially vulnerable to disease because their immune systems are not fully developed. Diseases that baby squirrels can carry include rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella.

These diseases can be passed on to humans if they come in contact with a sick animal. If you see a baby squirrel that appears to be sick, it is best to stay away from it and call your local wildlife agency for assistance.

A squirrel begged a man to help her baby, who was in trouble

What Diseases Can You Get from a Baby Squirrel?

There are a few diseases that you can get from contact with a baby squirrel. Some of these diseases include: • Salmonella – This is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through contact with the feces of an infected animal, including baby squirrels.

Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. • Leptospirosis – This is another bacterial infection that can be contracted through contact with the urine of an infected animal, including baby squirrels. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting.

If left untreated, this disease can lead to kidney failure or even death. • Rabies – Though it is rare, you can contract rabies if you are bitten or scratched by an infected animal, including baby squirrels. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, paralysis, and foam coming from the mouth.

If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal.

Can You Get a Disease from Touching a Squirrel?

There is no evidence that you can get a disease from touching a squirrel. In fact, there is only one known case of a human contracting a disease from a squirrel, and that was through a bite. There are many diseases that humans can carry and transmit to squirrels, but the risk of transmission is low.

The most common way for humans to contract diseases from animals is through bites or contact with blood or other bodily fluids.

Can a Baby Squirrel Have Rabies?

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors. It is possible for a baby squirrel to have rabies, but it is also possible for the disease to be dormant in young animals and only become active later in life. The best way to determine if an animal has rabies is to have it tested by a professional.

Is It Ok to Touch a Baby Squirrel?

Yes, it is generally ok to touch a baby squirrel. Baby squirrels are typically born blind and deaf and need their mother’s care for the first few weeks of life. After a few weeks, they will begin to explore on their own and can be more easily approached by humans.

If you do choose to touch a baby squirrel, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards as they can carry diseases.

Credit: doomsdayark.com

Do Squirrels Carry Diseases to Humans

Yes, squirrels can carry diseases to humans. These diseases can be spread through direct contact with the animal or indirectly through its droppings. Some of the most common diseases that squirrels can transmit to humans include:

• Salmonella – This is a bacterial infection that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in people. It is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, but can also be spread by contact with an infected animal. Symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

• Leptospirosis – This is a bacterial infection that affects the liver and kidneys. It can be spread through contact with contaminated water or soil, as well as direct contact with an infected animal. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, muscle pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

• Rabies – This is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system. It is usually transmitted through a bite from an infected animal, but can also be spread if saliva from an infected animal gets into an open wound or mucous membrane (such as the eyes, nose, or mouth). Symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and paralysis.

If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal.

Conclusion

Yes, baby squirrels can carry diseases. Some of the diseases they can carry include rabies, salmonella, and leptospirosis. While these diseases are rare, they can be deadly.

If you come into contact with a baby squirrel, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.