Food and Living Environment Section > Environmental Disease Education and Surveillance Program
Rodents and Insects
The Snohomish Health District provides information on the control of rats and other vectors. Please contact the Health District if
have you specific questions on the following topics. If you need to file a complaint please use the following form :
Complaint Form For Field Investigation
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus Surveillance collects mosquitoes and dead birds for testing and mapping. Information recording is provided at 425-339-8720
see West Nile Virus
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
The Sin Nombre virus (SNV), which causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is carried by deer mice. Deer mice are found throughout
Washington, particularly in rural areas. The Sin Nombre Virus is excreted in the deer mouse saliva, urine and feces. SNV is transmitted
when people inhale aerosolized virus during activities that may disturb rodent nests or droppings, such as sweeping. The incubation
period for HPS is one-six weeks; nonspecific symptoms may appear within one-six days of infection. Early diagnosis and management of
HPS is critical for survival. HPS is fatal if left untreated.
Rat control information is provided to property owners where rats have been seen. If rats are found to be associated with a solid waste
problem see Solid and Toxic Waste. Snohomish Health District does not bait or trap rats.
Please see the link below for additional information on rat control.
Resources Available from Snohomish Health District
"Taking Steps to Prevent Hantavirus"
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease infections occur when an infected tick vector bites a person. There are two species of ticks that are associated with Lyme
disease, they are Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus. Lyme disease occurs primarily in three distinct regions of the United States.
These regions are the Northeast, Midwest, especially Wisconsin and Minnesota, and less commonly the West Coast. People of all ages may be
affected; however, children 5-9 years of age and adults 45-54 years of age seem to have the highest incidence of Lyme disease. If you
believe an infected tick has bitten you, please contact the Communicable Disease Department at (425) 339-5278 or at
cdquestions@shd.snohomish.wa.gov. For more information on Lyme disease,
please visit the link below.
Cockroaches
Pest control is an important part of routine health inspections. While no food establishment wants cockroaches, these pests are a part
of daily life. The health inspectors in the Environmental Health Division work with food establishment operators to implement pest
control maintenance plans.
Cockroaches are disgusting bugs; however, besides being creepy they may also cause health problems. Cockroaches can expel "roach dust".
"Roach dust" is particles such as droppings or body parts that become aerosolized. These particles may then trigger asthma in people who
are sensitive. For more information on pest control in your home, visit the links below.
Disclaimer: The Snohomish Health District is supplying links for informational
purposes only and not condoning the use of products that may be for sale at those links.
