What Diseases Do Mice Carry?

Mice are tiny creatures that are known for their quick stealthy movements. Although they may seem harmless these rodents carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans. As a result it’s essential to understthe diseases that mice carry their symptoms the preventive measures that individuals can take to protect themselves.

Hantavirus

One of the most common diseases that mice carry is hantavirus. This virus is known to cause severe respiratory problems in humans leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Mice typically spread this virus through their saliva urine droppings. Individuals who come into contact with these bodily fluids or inhale dust contaminated with these fluids have a higher risk of contracting the virus.

The symptoms of hantavirus include fatigue fever muscle aches headaches. As the virus progresses individuals may experience coughing shortness of breath respiratory failure. There is no cure for hantavirus individuals who suspect they have contracted the virus should seek medical attention immediately.

Salmonellosis

Mice are also known to carry salmonellosis a bacterial infection that can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in humans. This infection is transmitted through the feces of infected mice individuals can contract it through direct contact or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea vomiting abdominal pain. In severe cases individuals may require hospitalization to rehydrate recover from the infection. Preventative measures for salmonellosis include washing hands regularly cooking food thoroughly keeping food preparation areas clean.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) is a viral infection that mice carry in their urine saliva. This infection can cause severe neurological symptoms in humans leading to meningitis or encephalitis. Individuals can contract LCMV through direct contact with infected rodents or inhaling dust contaminated with their bodily fluids.

Symptoms of LCMV include fever muscle aches headache nausea. In severe cases individuals may experience neurological symptoms such as seizures confusion paralysis. There is no cure for LCMV individuals who suspect they have contracted the virus should seek medical attention immediately.

Preventative Measures

To prevent contracting diseases from mice individuals should take several preventive measures including:

• Sealing any cracks or openings in the home especially near the foundation or roof
• Keeping food stored in airtight containers
• Regularly cleaning areas where mice may live including attics basements crawl spaces
• Washing hands regularly especially after handling any materials that may be contaminated with mouse urine saliva or feces.

In conclusion mice can carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans. It’s essential to take adequate preventive measures to protect both yourself your home from rodents. By staying vigilant educating yourself on the signs of mouse infestations individuals can avoid potentially harmful diseases that mice can carry.