What can a person catch from mice? - briefly
Mice can transmit zoonotic pathogens such as hantavirus, salmonella, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and, in rare cases, plague‑causing Yersinia pestis.
What can a person catch from mice? - in detail
Humans can acquire a range of infectious agents from mice, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. These pathogens may be transmitted through direct contact with rodent urine, feces, saliva, or contaminated surfaces, as well as via bites or inhalation of aerosolized particles.
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Viral infections
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – contracted by inhaling dust contaminated with rodent excreta; symptoms progress from fever and muscle aches to severe respiratory distress.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – spread through exposure to infected mouse droppings or direct contact; can cause meningitis, encephalitis, or flu‑like illness.
- Hepatitis E (genotype 3) – rare zoonotic transmission from mice to humans, leading to liver inflammation.
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Bacterial diseases
- Salmonellosis – caused by Salmonella spp. present in rodent feces; manifests as gastroenteritis with diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Leptospirosis – infection by Leptospira interrogans shed in urine; produces high fever, headache, jaundice, and possible kidney failure.
- Streptobacillosis (rat‑bite fever) – although more common with rats, mice can carry Streptobacillus moniliformis; results in fever, rash, and polyarthritis.
- Plague – Yersinia pestis occasionally harbored by wild mice; presents as bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic forms with rapid progression.
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Parasitic infestations
- Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm) – eggs found in mouse feces; ingestion leads to abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss.
- Giardia duodenalis – cysts excreted in feces; cause watery diarrhea and malabsorption.
- Toxoplasma gondii – mice serve as intermediate hosts; humans infected by handling contaminated tissue may develop flu‑like symptoms or severe disease in immunocompromised individuals.
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Fungal exposure
- Histoplasma capsulatum – spores thrive in rodent droppings; inhalation can trigger histoplasmosis, characterized by cough, fever, and chest pain.
Prevention relies on proper sanitation, rodent control, protective gloves when handling materials, and immediate washing of any skin contact with mouse excreta. Early medical evaluation is essential when symptoms align with the above conditions, as prompt antimicrobial or antiviral therapy improves outcomes.