How rodents can pass illness to people
Yes. Rats and mice can spread diseases to people through their droppings, urine, saliva, and bites, and by contaminating food and surfaces.
Rodents are associated with several illnesses that can pass to humans, largely through contact with their waste or with contaminated food. That is a big reason a rodent infestation is considered a genuine health concern, especially where droppings build up or rodents reach the kitchen.
The safest response is to avoid handling rodents or their waste with bare hands, throw out any contaminated food, and let professionals deal with a serious infestation rather than trying to manage it alone. If you have symptoms you are worried about, see a doctor — this is general information, not medical advice. When a landlord leaves a rodent infestation untreated, those health risks continue, and a free review can help you understand what the landlord is required to do.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.