Infections Transmitted by Mice: Names and Symptoms

Introduction to Rodent-Borne Diseases

How Mice Transmit Infections

Direct Contact

Direct contact with mice or their bodily fluids provides a pathway for several zoonotic diseases. Transmission occurs when skin breaks, mucous membranes, or accidental ingestion encounter contaminated saliva, urine, feces, or blood.

Common infections spread by this route include:

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – fever, muscle aches, headache, followed by rapid onset of coughing, shortness of breath, and pulmonary edema.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – fever, malaise, neck stiffness, photophobia; severe cases may develop meningitis or encephalitis.
Salmonella enterica – abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, vomiting; can progress to septicemia in vulnerable individuals.
Leptospira interrogans (Leptospirosis) – high fever, chills, muscle pain, jaundice, conjunctival hemorrhage; renal failure may develop without treatment.
Streptobacillus moniliformis (Rat‑bite fever) – fever, rash, polyarthritis, chills; untreated infection can lead to endocarditis.

Prompt identification of these symptoms after mouse exposure enables early medical intervention and reduces the risk of severe complications.

Indirect Contact «Contaminated Surfaces and Food»

Mice frequently contaminate surfaces and food with urine, feces, saliva, and ectoparasites, creating a route for pathogen transmission without direct animal contact. When droppings or contaminated crumbs are left on countertops, kitchen utensils, or stored provisions, the infectious agents survive long enough to be ingested or to enter mucous membranes.

Common rodent‑associated infections spread through this indirect route include:

Leptospirosis – fever, chills, muscle pain, jaundice, conjunctival hemorrhage.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – abrupt fever, muscle aches, cough, rapid respiratory distress.
Salmonellosis – abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, vomiting.
Listeriosis – fever, headache, stiff neck, gastrointestinal upset, potential meningitis.
Bartonella (cat‑scratch disease variant) – localized lymphadenopathy, fever, fatigue.
Streptobacillosis (rat‑bite fever) – high fever, rash, joint pain, vomiting.

Effective control relies on rigorous sanitation: immediate removal of rodent droppings, disinfection of surfaces with EPA‑approved agents, sealed storage of dry goods, and regular inspection of food‑handling areas. Reducing environmental contamination interrupts the transmission chain and lowers the incidence of these illnesses.

Vector-Borne Transmission «Fleas, Ticks»

Rodent reservoirs often rely on ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks to move pathogens to humans and other animals. The parasites acquire infectious agents while feeding on mice and subsequently transmit them during later blood meals.

Flea‑mediated infections
- Yersinia pestis – sudden fever, chills, painful swollen lymph nodes (buboes), weakness, and possible hemorrhagic skin lesions.
- Bartonella henselae – low‑grade fever, regional lymphadenopathy, headache, and occasional hepatosplenic involvement.
- Rickettsia typhi – abrupt fever, headache, macular rash on trunk, myalgia, and mild abdominal pain.
Tick‑mediated infections
- Borrelia burgdorferi – erythema migrans rash, joint pain, facial palsy, cardiac conduction abnormalities, and fatigue.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, muscle aches, and mild respiratory symptoms.
- Ehrlichia muris – fever, headache, nausea, elevated liver enzymes, and possible hemorrhagic manifestations.
- Powassan virus – high fever, encephalitis, seizures, and long‑term neurological deficits.

These agents illustrate how fleas and ticks serve as critical bridges between mouse hosts and secondary victims, producing distinct clinical patterns that aid diagnosis and guide treatment.

Common Mouse-Transmitted Infections and Their Symptoms

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome «HPS»

Symptoms of HPS

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) results from exposure to aerosolized excreta of infected rodents, particularly deer mice and related species. The infection progresses rapidly after an incubation period of 1–5 weeks, leading to a severe respiratory illness that requires immediate medical attention.

Typical clinical presentation includes:

Fever of 38‑40 °C, often accompanied by chills.
Headache and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups.
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Cough that may become dry and later productive.
Rapid onset of shortness of breath, accompanied by low oxygen saturation.
Chest tightness and a feeling of pressure in the thoracic area.
Development of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates visible on chest imaging.
Cardiovascular signs such as tachycardia, hypotension, and in advanced stages, shock.

Neurological symptoms may appear, including confusion or altered mental status, indicating progression to severe disease. Early recognition of this symptom cluster is essential for timely supportive care and reduction of mortality.

Prevention and Treatment of HPS

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory illness linked to exposure to infected rodent excreta, particularly from deer mice. Prompt containment of the virus relies on two pillars: strict avoidance of aerosolized rodent material and immediate medical intervention once symptoms appear.

Prevention measures

Seal entry points in homes, barns, and storage facilities with steel‑wool or concrete.
Eliminate food sources: store grains, pet food, and waste in rodent‑proof containers.
Conduct regular inspections and set snap traps or live‑catch devices in areas with rodent activity.
Wear disposable gloves, N95 respirators, and protective clothing when cleaning contaminated spaces.
Use disinfectants containing bleach (1 % sodium hypochlorite) on surfaces exposed to droppings or urine.
Educate workers in agricultural and pest‑control occupations about safe handling procedures.

Treatment protocol

Admit patients to an intensive‑care unit for continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation and hemodynamic status.
Provide supplemental oxygen; initiate mechanical ventilation if respiratory failure develops.
Administer intravenous fluids cautiously to avoid exacerbating pulmonary edema.
Consider ribavirin therapy within the first 4 days of illness; clinical data show limited benefit, making early administration essential.
Employ vasopressor agents for hypotension unresponsive to fluid resuscitation.
Monitor cardiac function with electrocardiography and echocardiography, addressing arrhythmias promptly.
Supportive care continues until viral clearance, typically confirmed by negative PCR tests and serologic conversion.

Effective control of HPS hinges on eliminating human contact with infected rodents and delivering aggressive supportive therapy at the earliest sign of disease.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis «LCM»

Symptoms of LCM

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) manifests after an incubation period of 1–2 weeks. Initial signs often include sudden fever, severe headache, and muscle aches. Neurological involvement may develop within days, presenting as:

Stiff neck and photophobia
Confusion, disorientation, or delirium
Seizures or focal neurological deficits
Sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness

Other frequent clinical features are:

Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and generalized weakness
Mild to moderate meningitis with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis

In a minority of cases, the disease progresses to encephalitis, characterized by rapid deterioration of consciousness, respiratory failure, and, in severe instances, death. Early recognition of these patterns is essential for appropriate supportive care and monitoring.

Prevention and Treatment of LCM

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) spreads primarily through contact with infected rodents, their urine, feces, or saliva. Effective control relies on two pillars: preventing exposure and managing illness after infection.

Prevention measures

Eliminate rodent infestations by sealing entry points, maintaining clean storage areas, and employing traps or professional extermination.
Store food in sealed containers; clean surfaces with disinfectants capable of inactivating the virus (e.g., bleach solutions).
Use personal protective equipment—gloves, masks, eye protection—when handling rodents, laboratory specimens, or contaminated materials.
Educate laboratory personnel, animal‑care staff, and pet owners about transmission routes and safe handling practices.
Conduct routine health monitoring of laboratory mouse colonies; remove seropositive animals promptly.

Treatment protocol

Diagnose promptly through serological testing or PCR detection of viral RNA.
Initiate supportive care: maintain hydration, control fever, and manage neurological symptoms with antipyretics and analgesics.
Consider antiviral therapy (ribavirin) only in severe cases, acknowledging limited clinical evidence and potential toxicity; administer under specialist supervision.
Monitor neurological status regularly; intervene with corticosteroids if significant inflammation threatens cerebral function.
Provide follow‑up assessments for long‑term sequelae, especially cognitive or psychiatric complications.

Combining rigorous rodent control with immediate medical response reduces LCM incidence and mitigates disease severity.

Salmonellosis

Symptoms of Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis, a bacterial infection often linked to rodent carriers, manifests primarily through gastrointestinal disturbance. Patients commonly experience sudden onset of abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, and nausea. Fever frequently rises to 38‑40 °C, accompanied by chills and profuse sweating. Headache, muscle aches, and general weakness may develop within the first 12–72 hours after exposure.

Additional signs include:

Dehydration, evident from dry mucous membranes, reduced urine output, and rapid pulse.
Elevated heart rate (tachycardia) as the body attempts to compensate for fluid loss.
In severe cases, blood in stool, persistent vomiting, and high fever exceeding 40 °C.

Recovery typically occurs within a week for healthy adults, though the illness can be prolonged in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, who may also present with bacteremia, meningitis, or joint infections as secondary complications. Prompt rehydration and, when indicated, antibiotic therapy reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

Prevention and Treatment of Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis, a common mouse‑borne infection, results from ingestion of Salmonella bacteria shed in rodent feces or contaminated food. Prompt prevention and effective therapy reduce morbidity and limit spread to humans and other animals.

Prevention measures

Secure food storage in sealed containers; discard any items exposed to rodent droppings.
Implement rigorous sanitation: clean surfaces with disinfectants effective against Gram‑negative bacteria, remove waste promptly, and eliminate standing water.
Control rodent populations through integrated pest management: trap placement, exclusion of entry points, and, when necessary, licensed rodenticides applied according to safety guidelines.
Conduct regular environmental monitoring for Salmonella presence using culture or PCR testing in facilities handling food or laboratory animals.

Treatment protocol

Initiate fluid replacement and electrolyte correction for dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Administer oral rehydration solutions when mild; employ intravenous fluids for severe cases.
Use empiric antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone, adjusting based on susceptibility testing to avoid resistance.
Monitor clinical response for 48–72 hours; extend therapy if fever or gastrointestinal symptoms persist.
Educate patients on hygiene practices to prevent reinfection and transmission to close contacts.

Combining strict environmental controls with timely medical intervention provides a comprehensive approach to managing salmonellosis associated with rodent exposure.

Leptospirosis

Symptoms of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease frequently linked to exposure to mouse urine, manifests with a range of clinical signs that progress through two phases. Early (acute) symptoms appear within 2‑10 days after infection and may include:

Sudden high fever
Severe headache
Muscle tenderness, especially in the calf and lower back
Chills and shivering
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Red eyes (conjunctival suffusion) without discharge
Abdominal pain

If untreated, the disease can enter a second (immune) phase, during which additional manifestations emerge:

Jaundice leading to yellowing of skin and eyes
Renal dysfunction causing reduced urine output
Pulmonary hemorrhage with coughing up blood
Meningeal irritation, presenting as stiff neck or photophobia
Cardiac arrhythmias or myocarditis
Skin rash or petechiae

The combination of fever, muscle pain, and conjunctival suffusion is often considered characteristic, while the presence of jaundice and renal impairment signals severe involvement requiring immediate medical attention. Early recognition of these symptoms is essential for prompt antibiotic therapy and prevention of complications.

Prevention and Treatment of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through contact with urine‑contaminated water or soil, frequently linked to mice and other rodents. Human infection can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, jaundice, and, in severe cases, kidney or liver failure.

Prevention focuses on reducing exposure and controlling rodent populations. Effective measures include:

Avoiding swimming or wading in water suspected of rodent contamination.
Wearing protective gloves and boots when handling soil, livestock, or cleaning areas where rodent urine may be present.
Implementing regular rodent‑control programs: traps, bait stations, and sealing entry points in buildings.
Maintaining sanitary conditions: prompt removal of waste, proper storage of food, and regular cleaning of standing water sources.
Providing prophylactic vaccination for individuals at high occupational risk, such as farmers, sewage workers, and veterinarians.

Early diagnosis enables prompt antimicrobial therapy, which reduces complications. Recommended treatment protocols consist of:

Administration of doxycycline (100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days) for mild to moderate cases.
Use of intravenous penicillin G or ceftriaxone for severe presentations, typically 1 million IU every 6 hours or 2 g daily, respectively, for 7–10 days.
Supportive care: intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, analgesics for pain, and monitoring of renal and hepatic function.
Follow‑up laboratory testing to confirm clearance of the organism and assess organ recovery.

Combining rigorous environmental controls with targeted medical interventions provides the most reliable strategy for limiting leptospirosis incidence and mitigating its health impact.

Rat-Bite Fever «RBF»

Symptoms of RBF

Rat‑bite fever (RBF) presents with a rapid onset of systemic signs after exposure to infected rodent saliva or urine. The incubation period typically ranges from 2 to 14 days. Early manifestations include:

High fever (often exceeding 38.5 °C)
Chills and rigors
Severe headache
Generalized muscle aches

Within a few days, a distinctive rash may develop. The rash often appears as:

Small, red maculopapular lesions on the trunk and extremities
Petechiae or purpura, especially on the palms and soles
Occasionally, a more extensive, confluent erythema

Additional clinical features can involve:

Joint pain or migratory arthralgia, commonly affecting knees, ankles, and wrists
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort
Elevated white‑blood‑cell count with a left shift
Mild hepatitis indicated by transient increases in liver enzymes

Severe cases may progress to:

Endocarditis or myocarditis
Renal impairment
Septic shock

Prompt antimicrobial therapy, typically with doxycycline or penicillin, reduces the risk of complications and accelerates recovery. Early recognition of these signs is essential for effective management.

Prevention and Treatment of RBF

Rat‑bite fever (RBF) is a bacterial infection acquired from rodents, including mice, through bites, scratches, or contact with contaminated secretions. The disease manifests with fever, rash, arthralgia, and, in severe cases, septicemia. Prompt preventive actions and appropriate therapeutic regimens reduce morbidity and prevent complications.

Prevention measures

Avoid direct handling of wild or laboratory mice without protective gloves.
Use bite‑proof cages and ensure cages are securely locked.
Implement strict rodent‑control programs in residential and occupational settings.
Disinfect surfaces and equipment after any exposure to rodent droppings or urine.
Provide training for personnel who work with rodents on safe handling techniques and wound care.
Promptly clean and irrigate any bite or scratch with antiseptic solution; seek medical evaluation immediately.

Treatment protocols

First‑line therapy: oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 days, or alternatively, oral azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 5 days.
For patients unable to tolerate doxycycline, oral amoxicillin‑clavulanate 875/125 mg twice daily for 14 days is effective.
Intravenous ceftriaxone 1–2 g daily may be used in severe systemic infection or when oral therapy is contraindicated.
Supportive care includes antipyretics for fever, analgesics for joint pain, and fluid replacement if dehydration occurs.
Monitor laboratory parameters (complete blood count, liver enzymes, renal function) during therapy to detect adverse drug reactions.

Early diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion, patient history of rodent exposure, and laboratory confirmation by blood culture or serology. Initiating the recommended antibiotic regimen within 24 hours of symptom onset significantly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of chronic sequelae.

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

Identifying High-Risk Environments

Homes and Dwellings

Mice frequently inhabit residential structures, exploiting gaps, insulation, and stored food. Their presence creates pathways for pathogens to move from rodent reservoirs into human living spaces.

Common mouse-borne pathogens found in homes include:

Hantavirus, transmitted through aerosolized rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
Salmonella enterica, spread by contaminated surfaces or food.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), released in excreta and dust.
Bartonella spp., carried on mouse ectoparasites that may bite humans.

Symptoms associated with these infections often appear within days to weeks after exposure:

Fever, chills, and muscle aches (hantavirus, LCMV).
Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (Salmonella).
Headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia (LCMV meningitis).
Enlarged lymph nodes and fatigue (Bartonella).

Reducing risk in dwellings requires targeted actions:

Seal entry points: caulk cracks, install door sweeps, and repair damaged screens.
Maintain cleanliness: store food in airtight containers, promptly clean spills, and dispose of waste in sealed bins.
Manage clutter: eliminate storage piles that provide shelter for rodents.
Conduct regular inspections: look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
Apply professional rodent control: use traps or bait stations positioned away from children and pets, and follow up with monitoring.

Implementing these measures limits rodent intrusion, thereby decreasing the likelihood of mouse-related infections within homes.

Agricultural Settings

Mice inhabiting crop fields, barns, and storage facilities act as reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens that directly affect farm workers, livestock, and produce. The most frequent agents include:

Hantavirus – fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea; severe cases progress to pulmonary edema and shock.
Leptospira interrogans (leptospirosis) – high fever, chills, muscle pain, conjunctival suffusion; renal failure may develop.
Salmonella enterica serovars – abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever; can spread to livestock through contaminated feed.
Bartonella spp. – prolonged low‑grade fever, fatigue, lymphadenopathy; occasional hepatic or cardiac involvement.
Yersinia pestis (plague) – sudden fever, painful swollen lymph nodes (buboes), chills; untreated infection may cause septicemia.

Transmission routes in agricultural environments involve direct contact with mouse urine, droppings, or saliva, as well as inhalation of aerosolized particles from contaminated bedding or feed. Indirect exposure occurs when rodents contaminate water troughs, grain silos, or equipment, creating a persistent source of infection for both humans and animals.

Control measures rely on integrated pest management: sealing building entry points, regular trapping, maintaining clean storage areas, and rotating rodent‑resistant feed containers. Monitoring programs should include periodic testing of rodent populations for pathogen presence, coupled with health surveillance of farm personnel for early symptom detection. Prompt medical evaluation and antimicrobial or antiviral therapy, when indicated, reduce morbidity and prevent outbreak escalation.

Wilderness Areas

Mice inhabiting remote forests, high‑altitude plateaus, and desert scrub serve as reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens that affect hikers, researchers, and wildlife personnel. Direct contact with mouse droppings, urine, or bites introduces bacteria, viruses, and parasites into human hosts, especially where sanitation is limited and exposure time is prolonged.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – fever, muscle aches, headache, followed by rapid onset of shortness of breath and pulmonary edema.
Leptospirosis – fever, chills, muscle pain, conjunctival suffusion, and possible kidney or liver dysfunction.
Bartonella (Cat‑scratch disease variant) – localized lymphadenopathy, low‑grade fever, and occasional skin lesions.
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium – abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Yersinia pestis (plague) – sudden fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes (buboes), and, in severe cases, septicemia or pneumonic involvement.

Risk intensifies in wilderness zones where rodent populations thrive near water sources, food caches, and shelter structures. Protective actions include wearing gloves when handling equipment, avoiding direct contact with rodent nests, using disinfectant‑treated water, and maintaining personal hygiene after traversing areas with visible mouse activity. Early recognition of the listed symptom clusters enables prompt medical evaluation and reduces morbidity associated with these rodent‑borne diseases.

Personal Protective Measures

Hygiene Practices

Effective hygiene reduces the risk of mouse‑borne diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and LCMV.

Key practices include:

Food storage: Keep all food in sealed containers; discard crumbs and spills promptly.
Surface sanitation: Clean countertops, floors, and kitchen utensils with EPA‑approved disinfectants after any rodent activity is suspected.
Waste management: Use tightly fitted trash cans; empty them regularly to prevent attraction of rodents.
Personal hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water after handling objects that may have contacted rodents or their droppings.
Protective equipment: Wear disposable gloves and masks when cleaning areas contaminated by rodent urine, feces, or nesting material.

Additional measures:

Seal cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and foundations to block entry points.
Maintain dry environments; eliminate standing water that can serve as a habitat for rodents.
Conduct routine inspections of storage rooms, basements, and attics for signs of infestation; address findings immediately.

Adhering to these procedures interrupts transmission pathways, limits exposure to pathogenic agents, and supports overall public health safety.

Pest Control

Mouse-borne diseases include hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and LCMV (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus). Hantavirus infection produces fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and can progress to severe respiratory failure. Leptospirosis causes high fever, headache, muscle pain, and jaundice. Salmonellosis leads to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting. LCMV infection presents with fever, headache, neck stiffness, and occasionally neurological complications.

Effective pest control reduces exposure risk by eliminating rodent populations and preventing contamination. Key actions are:

Seal building entry points larger than ¼ inch.
Install metal or concrete barriers around utility openings.
Maintain sanitation; remove food sources, store waste in sealed containers.
Deploy snap traps or electronic traps in high-activity zones.
Use bait stations with anticoagulant rodenticides, following integrated pest management protocols.
Conduct regular inspections to monitor activity and adjust measures.

Professional pest management programs incorporate habitat modification, population monitoring, and targeted extermination. Documentation of trap counts and disease reports guides timely interventions and compliance with health regulations. Continuous monitoring ensures that control efforts remain effective against the pathogens carried by rodents.

Food Storage

Proper food storage directly reduces the risk of rodent‑borne illnesses. Mice can contaminate pantry items with urine, feces, and saliva, introducing pathogens that survive in improperly sealed or poorly cooled food.

Common diseases linked to mouse contamination include:

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath, rapid deterioration of lung function.
Salmonellosis – abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, vomiting.
Listeriosis – fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms; severe cases cause meningitis and sepsis.
Leptospirosis – high fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, jaundice, possible kidney failure.
Rat‑bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis) – fever, rash, arthralgia, vomiting; may follow ingestion of contaminated food.

Effective storage measures:

Use airtight, rodent‑proof containers made of metal or heavy‑wall plastic.
Keep dry goods off the floor; store at least 6 inches above the ground and away from walls.
Maintain refrigerator temperatures at or below 4 °C (40 °F) and freezer temperatures at or below –18 °C (0 °F).
Implement a “first‑in, first‑out” rotation to prevent long‑term stagnation of products.
Inspect packaging regularly for tears, gnaw marks, or droppings; discard compromised items immediately.
Seal entry points in storage areas with steel wool, caulking, or metal flashing to block mouse access.

By adhering to these practices, food remains uncontaminated, and exposure to the listed pathogens is minimized.

Public Health Implications

Surveillance and Reporting

Effective control of rodent‑borne diseases depends on systematic observation and timely communication of cases. Surveillance begins with the identification of suspected infections in humans and animals that have been exposed to mouse vectors. Field investigators collect specimens, record exposure history, and note clinical signs that match known rodent‑associated pathogens such as hantavirus, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and rat‑bite fever. Laboratory confirmation follows standardized protocols, ensuring that results are comparable across jurisdictions.

Reporting mechanisms require immediate notification to designated public health authorities. The process typically includes:

Completion of a case report form that captures patient demographics, exposure details, and laboratory findings.
Submission of the report within 24 hours to local health departments, which forward the information to state and national surveillance systems.
Entry of data into electronic databases that support real‑time analysis of incidence trends and geographic clustering.

Public health agencies use the aggregated data to:

Detect outbreaks early by monitoring increases in reported cases above baseline levels.
Issue alerts to healthcare providers, veterinarians, and pest‑control professionals outlining recommended diagnostic tests and preventive measures.
Allocate resources for targeted rodent‑control interventions and community education campaigns.

Consistent documentation of symptom patterns—fever, respiratory distress, neurological signs, or rash—facilitates refinement of case definitions and improves the sensitivity of surveillance networks. Ongoing feedback loops between laboratories, clinicians, and epidemiologists maintain the accuracy of the reporting system and support evidence‑based policy decisions.

Community Education

Effective community education reduces the impact of rodent‑borne diseases by informing residents about exposure risks and early signs of illness. Programs should deliver clear, actionable messages that enable households to recognize hazards and adopt preventive behaviors.

Common infections transmitted by mice and their clinical presentations include:

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – fever, muscle aches, headache, followed by rapid onset of shortness of breath and coughing; can progress to severe respiratory failure.
Leptospirosis – high fever, chills, muscle pain, red eyes, jaundice, and, in severe cases, kidney or liver dysfunction.
Salmonellosis – abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting after ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – flu‑like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, and, in rare instances, neurological complications such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Streptobacillus moniliformis infection (rat‑bite fever, occasionally linked to mouse bites) – fever, rash, joint pain, and vomiting.

Educational initiatives must address three core components:

Risk identification – teach residents how to spot signs of mouse infestation, recognize contaminated food sources, and understand pathways of disease transmission.
Symptom awareness – provide concise symptom checklists for each infection, emphasizing the importance of prompt medical evaluation when fever, respiratory distress, or neurological signs appear.
Preventive actions – recommend sealing entry points, maintaining clean food storage, using traps responsibly, and wearing protective gloves when handling rodents or cleaning contaminated areas.

Delivery channels should combine door‑to‑door outreach, printed fact sheets in local languages, and digital alerts through community social media groups. Partnerships with health clinics, schools, and housing authorities amplify reach and ensure consistent messaging. Monitoring tools, such as brief surveys after workshops, verify comprehension and guide adjustments to the education strategy.