Can mice in the house make you sick 2024?

As a public health expert, I am often asked about the potential health risks associated with rodents, particularly mice, in the home environment. The concern is valid, as rodents can indeed pose a threat to human health in various ways. Let's delve into the specifics of how mice can make you sick and the precautions that should be taken.

Rodent-Borne Diseases
Rodents, including mice, are known carriers of various diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Some of the most common diseases include:


1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): This is a severe, sometimes fatal respiratory disease caused by hantaviruses. It is primarily transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized dust from rodent urine, feces, or saliva.

2. **Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)**: This virus can cause a range of symptoms from mild flu-like illness to aseptic meningitis and can be transmitted through contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva.


3. Salmonellosis: Rodents can carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. This occurs when the bacteria contaminate food or surfaces that humans come into contact with.


4. Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. Humans can get infected through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, which can include rodents.

Allergies and Asthma
Rodent allergens, particularly in their urine, can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms. Prolonged exposure to these allergens can lead to the development of asthma in sensitive individuals.

Contamination of Food and Water
Rodents can contaminate food and water sources with their feces and urine, leading to the ingestion of harmful bacteria and parasites.

Physical Damage and Structural Integrity
While not directly a health risk, rodents can cause physical damage to the home, which can indirectly affect health by creating environments conducive to other pests and mold growth.

Prevention and Control
To minimize the risk of illness from mice in the house, it is crucial to take preventive measures:


1. Seal Entry Points: Ensure that all potential entry points are sealed to prevent rodents from entering the home.


2. Proper Storage of Food: Store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting rodents.


3. Regular Cleaning: Keep the home clean, particularly the areas where food is prepared and stored.


4. Professional Pest Control: If an infestation is suspected, seek the services of a professional pest control company.


5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When cleaning areas that may have been contaminated by rodents, use PPE to protect yourself from potential pathogens.


6. Avoid Direct Contact: Avoid touching rodents or their droppings and wash hands thoroughly after handling potentially contaminated materials.

In conclusion, while not all rodents carry diseases, the potential health risks associated with their presence in the home are significant. It is essential to take appropriate measures to prevent and control rodent infestations to protect your health and the health of your family.

Even though not all rodents have the virus, it is difficult to properly identify mice; so all rodents should be avoided. People may get sick when they touch or breathe dust from where there are rodent droppings (feces) or urine. Insect bites will not make you sick and you will not get HPS from another person.