What diseases can mice transmit to people? - briefly
Mice can transmit several zoonotic infections, notably hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and plague caused by Yersinia pestis. Transmission occurs mainly via inhalation of contaminated dust, direct contact with urine or feces, or bites.
What diseases can mice transmit to people? - in detail
Mice serve as reservoirs for a range of pathogens that can infect humans through direct contact, ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation of aerosolized particles, or bites from ectoparasites that have fed on infected rodents.
Bacterial infections
- Leptospirosis – caused by Leptospira spp.; transmitted via urine‑contaminated water or soil; symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and potential kidney or liver failure; treated with doxycycline or penicillin.
- Salmonellosis – caused by Salmonella spp.; spread through consumption of food contaminated by rodent droppings; leads to gastroenteritis with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever; managed with rehydration and, in severe cases, antibiotics.
- Plague – caused by Yersinia pestis; transmitted by flea bites or handling of infected rodents; presents as bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic forms with high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory distress; rapid antibiotic therapy (streptomycin, gentamicin) is essential.
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – caused by hantaviruses (e.g., Sin Nombre virus); inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta triggers fever, muscle aches, followed by rapid respiratory failure; no specific antiviral, supportive intensive care required.
Viral infections
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) – spread through exposure to infected mouse urine, feces, or saliva; produces flu‑like symptoms, meningitis, or encephalitis; diagnosis by serology, treatment is supportive.
- Arenavirus infections – include Lassa fever‑like illnesses transmitted by certain mouse species; cause hemorrhagic fever, organ failure; ribavirin may improve outcomes if administered early.
Parasitic infections
- Baylisascaris procyonis – roundworm of raccoons that can be carried by mice; ingestion of eggs leads to visceral, ocular, or neural larva migrans with severe neurological damage; treated with albendazole and steroids.
- Tapeworms (e.g., Hymenolepis nana) – mice act as intermediate hosts; human infection via contaminated food produces abdominal pain, diarrhea; praziquantel is effective.
Fungal infections
- Cryptococcosis – Cryptococcus neoformans can be present in mouse droppings; inhalation results in pulmonary infection and potential meningitis; antifungal therapy (amphotericin B, fluconazole) is required.
Prevention focuses on rodent control, proper food storage, sanitation, protective equipment when cleaning infested areas, and prompt medical evaluation after suspected exposure.