Yes, mice in your home can be responsible for the transmission of serious diseases!
While they may look cute, mice can be very dangerous to humans sharing a space with them. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most common rodent pests in the world, and that is why it’s so important to know about the dangers they pose. A topic you can read all about is the post below.
Mice spread disease
There are two ways that mice can spread disease to humans. The first is through direct contact with their feces, urine, saliva including bites. While the second is that the disease is passed via ticks or fleas that live on the mouse and then bite humans. Keep reading to find out more about the types and severity of illnesses that these two transmission methods are related to.
Direct Infection
Direct infection happens when mice contaminate the home with their feces, and urine, and other bodily fluids. Of course, mice don’t see the difference between the floor outside and your pristine kitchen worktop which means they will have no trouble using it as a toilet, and so spreading dangerous diseases. They will also seek out food sources like the ones in your kitchen, and can easily contaminate these while feeding.
Some of the most serious diseases that mice can spread directly in the home include:
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV) – A nasty viral infection caused by house mice that can result in conditions such as meningitis (inflammation of the substance surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself).
- Hantavirus – Prescient in rodent urine and feces, Hantavirus looks at the start to be much like flu. However, as it progresses, serious issues with kidney function and breathing can develop. The virus can easily be transmitted to humans. The rodent waste doesn’t even need to be fresh to be a risk, as dried feces that turns to dust can also transmit the virus!
- Salmonella – also often referred to as food poisoning is another common disease transmitted by rodents in the home. It causes nasty symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting and can become very dangerous if left untreated.
Indirect infection
In addition to infection caused by direct interaction with rodent waste products, there is also indirect infection to worry about. Indirect infection happens when the parasites living on the mice in your home spread disease to humans.
Probably the most well-known of all diseases transmitted from ticks and fleas on rodents is the Bubonic Plague! The Black Death as it is also known wiped out up to 50 million people in the 14th century, and still exists to this day!
Another common indirect infection is Lyme disease, which can leave those that contract it with long-term severe problems that impact their quality of life.
Deal with your house mice problem, today!
As you can see from the information above, getting rid of any unwanted house guests in the form of mice is vital to maintain your own and your family’s health. In some cases, it can be a matter of life and death. With that in mind, be sure to contact https://www.oldbaypestcontrol.com/ to rid your home of these cute but deadly creatures and ensure your and your family’s safety.
