FACTS ~Rat-bite fever is an infectious disease that can be caused by two different bacteria. ~Streptobacillary RBF is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis in North America ~spirillary RBF or sodoku is caused by Spirillum minus and occurs mostly in Asia. ~People usually get the disease from infected rodents or consumption of contaminated food or water. ~When the latter occurs, the disease is often known as Haverhill fever. ~If not treated, RBF can be a serious or even fatal disease.
HOW TO GET RAT BITE FEVER ~Bites or scratches from infected rodents (such as rats, mice, and gerbils) ~Handling rodents with the disease (even without a bite or scratch) ~Consuming food or drink contaminated with the bacteria