What diseases can be contracted from mice and rats? - briefly
Mice and rats transmit illnesses such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, plague, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Transmission occurs through bites, contaminated urine, feces, or aerosolized particles.
What diseases can be contracted from mice and rats? - in detail
Rodent‑borne illnesses encompass bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal agents that can reach humans through bites, contaminated food, inhalation of aerosolized droppings, or direct contact with urine and saliva.
Bacterial infections
- Leptospirosis – caused by Leptospira spp.; entry via skin abrasions or mucous membranes after exposure to urine; symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and potential kidney or liver failure.
- Salmonellosis – Salmonella bacteria shed in feces; ingestion of contaminated food or water leads to gastroenteritis, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Rat‑bite fever – Streptobacillus moniliformis (or Spirillum minus); transmitted through rodent bites or scratches; presents with fever, rash, polyarthritis, and can progress to septicemia.
- Plague – Yersinia pestis; fleas from infected rodents transmit the bacterium; bubonic form causes painful lymph node swelling, septicemic and pneumonic forms may result in hemorrhagic fever.
- Tularemia – Francisella tularensis; contact with infected tissues or inhalation of contaminated dust; produces ulcerative skin lesions, fever, and lymphadenopathy.
- Murine typhus – Rickettsia typhi; spread by fleas that have fed on rodents; characterized by fever, headache, rash, and can be severe in immunocompromised individuals.
Viral infections
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – hantaviruses carried by wild mice and rats; inhalation of aerosolized droppings triggers fever, muscle aches, and rapid progression to severe respiratory distress.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – present in house mice; transmission through contaminated secretions; produces flu‑like symptoms, meningitis, or encephalitis, especially dangerous for pregnant women and transplant recipients.
- Arenavirus infections – certain arenaviruses circulate in rodents; human exposure leads to hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates.
Parasitic infections
- Giardiasis – Giardia duodenalis cysts in rodent feces; ingestion causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
- Toxoplasmosis – Toxoplasma gondii oocysts shed by infected rodents; ingestion or handling of contaminated meat may result in flu‑like illness, ocular disease, or severe complications in pregnant women.
- Baylisascaris procyonis – roundworm of raccoons but occasionally found in rats; accidental ingestion of eggs leads to visceral or neural larva migrans with neurological deficits.
Fungal infections
- Cryptococcosis – Cryptococcus neoformans can be isolated from rodent droppings; inhalation may cause pulmonary infection and disseminated disease, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.
Transmission routes and risk factors
- Direct bites or scratches introduce pathogens into skin and bloodstream.
- Contamination of food preparation surfaces by urine, feces, or saliva results in oral ingestion.
- Airborne particles from dried droppings or urine carry viruses and fungi into the respiratory tract.
- Occupational exposure (laboratory workers, pest control personnel, agricultural staff) and household infestations increase incidence.
Prevention measures
- Seal entry points, maintain sanitation, and control rodent populations.
- Use protective gloves and masks when cleaning infested areas; disinfect surfaces with bleach solutions.
- Store food in sealed containers; avoid leaving waste accessible to rodents.
- Seek prompt medical attention after bites, unexplained fevers, or respiratory symptoms following exposure.
Understanding the spectrum of rodent‑associated pathogens and their modes of transmission enables targeted interventions and reduces the likelihood of severe disease outcomes.