- Hantavirus: Mouse feces can transmit hantavirus, a potentially fatal respiratory disease. Hantavirus is carried by certain types of mice, and it can be spread to humans through inhalation of contaminated dust or direct contact with infected mice or their feces.
- Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by exposure to contaminated water or soil. Mouse feces can contaminate water sources, and people can become infected by drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, and vomiting.
- Salmonellosis: Mouse feces can also carry Salmonella bacteria, which cause salmonellosis. This bacterial infection leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- E. coli: Mouse feces can contain E. coli bacteria, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- Plague: Mouse feces can carry the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which causes plague. Plague is a serious bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bites of infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, including feces.
- Allergies and Asthma: Mouse feces can also contribute to allergies and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. The proteins found in mouse feces can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms in those with allergies to rodents.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV): Mouse feces can transmit LCMV, a viral infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, meningitis, and encephalitis. Infection is usually mild, but in certain individuals, it can lead to severe neurological complications.
- Typhus: Mouse feces can carry rickettsial bacteria that cause typhus, such as Rickettsia typhi. Typhus is characterized by high fever, headache, rash, and muscle pain.
It's important to take precautions when dealing with areas where mice may be present or have been active. Proper hygiene, including hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and cleaning up mouse feces promptly, can help reduce the risk of exposure to these health hazards. If you suspect a mouse infestation or come into contact with mouse feces, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional or pest control service for proper management and prevention strategies.