What is the disease transmitted by mice called? - briefly
The illness carried by mice is hantavirus infection, which may present as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the Americas or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in other regions. Transmission occurs through inhalation of aerosolized virus from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
What is the disease transmitted by mice called? - in detail
Mice serve as reservoirs for several zoonotic infections, the most medically significant being hantavirus disease. Hantavirus is a single‑stranded RNA virus carried primarily by wild rodents, especially the common house mouse and related species. Human exposure occurs through inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent urine, feces, or saliva. The infection manifests in two major clinical forms:
- «Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome» (HPS): rapid onset of fever, myalgia, and cough, progressing to severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, and high mortality without prompt intensive care.
- «Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome» (HFRS): initial flu‑like symptoms followed by acute kidney injury, hemorrhage, and hypotension; severity varies by viral genotype.
Additional rodent‑borne illnesses include:
- «Murine typhus», caused by Rickettsia typhi, transmitted by flea bites from mice; presents with fever, headache, and rash.
- «Plague» (Yersinia pestis), historically linked to rats but also maintained in mouse populations; produces bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic forms.
Key aspects of hantavirus infection:
- Transmission: aerosolized rodent excreta; no person‑to‑person spread.
- Incubation: 1–5 weeks, variable by strain.
- Diagnosis: serologic testing for specific IgM/IgG antibodies; PCR detection of viral RNA.
- Treatment: supportive care; ribavirin shows limited benefit in some HFRS cases, but no definitive antiviral therapy for HPS.
- Prevention: rodent control in homes and workplaces, sealing food sources, using protective equipment during cleaning of contaminated areas, and avoiding direct contact with rodent nests.
Understanding the epidemiology of mouse‑associated pathogens enables targeted public‑health interventions and reduces the risk of severe disease outcomes.