With such concentrations of rats the
probability of the spread of disease is
increased, and where the rats are in
proximity to, and often in direct contact
with, stores of human food, and
where the parasites of rats may be
transferred readily to human beings, the
probability of disease being transmitted
to human beings is correspondingly increased.
An example of this is found
in the records of the State Health Department
of Alabama, which show that
in one city typhus fever was contracted
by 8 employees of one grocery, 7 *of
another, 5 of another, and by 3 employees
of a grain handling company.
In another city in the same state 4
recent cases of typhus were traced to
one general merchandise establishment.
In all these places there was heavy rat
infestation.
In undertaking to control rats in any
food establishment, such as a restaurant,
grocery, or warehouse, the condition of
the entire neighborhood should be taken
into consideration. If the establishment
is surrounded by well kept premises
harboring few or no rats, control
measures may be necessary only at the
establishment. On the contrary, if the
neighborhood contains other rat-infested
and rat-harboring premises, any effort
to control rats in the food establishment
alone is likely to have uncertain
results unless the building is made impervious
to rats from the basement to
the roof, and even then constant vigilance
will be necessary. Community
work is called for under such circumstances.