Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’s did not

Re:Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’... by areyousure on Sunday April 26, 2020 @03:21PM (#22989435)

> COVID-19 is spread principally by breathing, which is unaffected by cleanliness.

Masks?

> I'm not saying New York is a paragon of cleanliness, but you will have to show some scientific evidence that curbside trash pickup or the occasional subway rat has anything to do with the prevalence of modern-day diseases. Because they simply do not as common knowledge suggests.

Initial reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rats_in_New_York_City#Disease,...

Diseases carried by NYC rats: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25316698

Hong Kong and literal SARS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12932393/

"Urban Norway and black rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) are the source of a number of pathogens responsible for significant human morbidity and mortality in cities around the world.": https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2012.1195

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’... by crazygringo on Sunday April 26, 2020 @08:17PM (#22991615)

Key quote: "it is unclear how infectious the rats are to residents".

Yes, we all know rats can carry disease, and that this has been a historical problem (e.g. the Black Death).

But it's not like coming into physical contact with a rat, or even their droppings or anything, is a common occurrence in NYC.

In 10 years living in New York City, I've seen a rat maybe 50 times total? Every single one was on the subway tracks (i.e. inaccessible), except exactly once I saw one at the end of the deserted platform, but far away from people.

Now I'm sure there are rats elsewhere, I'm just a single data point.

But nevertheless, to put it simply, getting diseases from rats is not a known public health problem in New York City. You cannot extrapolate a risk here simply from the presence of rats.

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Re:Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’... by downerending on Sunday April 26, 2020 @09:25PM (#22992033)

If you'd like to see a rat (as in rats), go to one of the city parks on trash day. The cans get emptied 24-48 hours before the trucks pick them up. Go there in the evening and sit maybe 30 meters from the trash heap. Watch carefully. Extra credit: Toss them french fries.

If you're up for a more disturbing experience, go sit on those benches at the south end of Riverside Park--the ones next to the ivy or whatever. Listen for the squeaking. Guess what? Those are rats. Lots and lots of rats, like in Jurassic Park or something.

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