What do mice transmit to humans?

What do mice transmit to humans? - briefly

These rodents can transmit hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Salmonella, Leptospira, and various ectoparasites and helminths that cause illness in people. Transmission occurs mainly through inhalation of contaminated aerosols, direct contact with urine or feces, and bites or scratches.

What do mice transmit to humans? - in detail

Mice act as reservoirs for a range of pathogens that can infect humans. Contact with rodent excreta, bites, or contaminated food and surfaces provides the primary routes of transmission.

• Viruses

  • Hantavirus: causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome; spread through inhalation of aerosolized urine or droppings.
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV): produces febrile illness, meningitis, or encephalitis; transmitted by direct contact with infected tissues or contaminated materials.
  • Seoul virus: a hantavirus subtype associated with mild to moderate disease; spread similarly to hantavirus.

• Bacteria

  • Salmonella spp.: leads to gastroenteritis; acquired by ingestion of food contaminated with rodent feces.
  • Leptospira interrogans: causes leptospirosis; enters through skin abrasions or mucous membranes after exposure to urine.
  • Yersinia pestis: agent of plague; transmitted by flea bites that have fed on infected rodents or by direct handling of dead rodents.
  • Streptobacillus moniliformis: responsible for rat‑bite fever; enters the bloodstream after a bite or scratch.

• Parasites

  • Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm): causes abdominal discomfort and malabsorption; infection follows ingestion of eggs from contaminated surfaces.
  • Bartonella spp.: produce cat‑scratch disease–like symptoms; spread through rodent fleas or direct contact with rodent blood.

• Allergenic and toxic agents

  • Mouse urine, saliva, and dander contain proteins that trigger IgE‑mediated allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
  • Rodent‑derived endotoxins can exacerbate respiratory conditions when inhaled.

Transmission pathways include inhalation of contaminated dust, ingestion of food or water tainted with feces or urine, direct skin contact with infected secretions, and bites or scratches. Flea vectors expand the range of bacterial agents, especially plague‑causing organisms.

Control strategies focus on exclusion, sanitation, and pest management. Sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using traps or rodenticides reduce population density. Protective equipment (gloves, masks) and thorough disinfection of contaminated areas lower occupational risk. Regular monitoring for rodent activity supports early intervention and limits human exposure.