1. Hantavirus: Mice can carry hantaviruses, which can cause a range of illnesses in humans, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). These viruses can affect the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and neurological problems such as confusion, seizures, and coma.
2. Leptospirosis: Mice can also transmit leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can affect multiple organs, including the nervous system. Symptoms of leptospirosis can include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to neurological complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
3. Lyme disease: While not directly caused by mice, they can contribute to the spread of Lyme disease by serving as hosts for ticks that carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, which causes the disease. Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, and neurological problems such as memory loss, confusion, and facial palsy.
4. Toxoplasmosis: Mice can carry Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis. This infection is usually mild and asymptomatic in healthy individuals, but it can cause serious health problems in people with weakened immune systems or in developing fetuses. In rare cases, toxoplasmosis can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headache, seizures, and encephalitis.
5. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to mouse urine, fur, or other allergens associated with mice. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes to more severe reactions such as asthma, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
It's important to note that while these are potential risks, interactions with mice do not always lead to health problems. Proper hygiene and preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with wild rodents, can help reduce the risk of acquiring infections or developing allergic reactions.