Mouse in hand after removal

Diseases Mice Can Spread When They’re Not Removed From a Home

Small mouseIt is that time of year again when mice start moving from their outdoor dens to warmer structures like homes and attics, and its when we get more calls for people needing mice removal.

Do you hear scratching in the walls or ceilings? Have you seen small droppings in your pantry or under your sink, or noticed chewing marks on your food packaging?

If you think mice are living in your home or attic, pay attention, because the presence of mice can not only cause structural damage to a home, but can also lead to serious health risks for you and your family.

The most effective way to permanently remove mice is through mice control that uses humane exclusion methods to preserve the life of the animals and doesn’t involve traps or poisons.

TL;DR: Health Risks of Mice Infestations

Mice infestations present significant health risks by transmitting diseases such as Hantavirus, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and more, posing serious threats to humans and pets alike. Here’s a quick overview of the illnesses they can spread:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
  • Salmonella (Salmonellosis)
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Plague
  • Tularemia
  • Murine Typhus
  • Tapeworms (specifically Hymenolepis microstoma)
  • Lyme Disease
  • Colorado Tick Fever
  • Hard Tick Relapsing Fever (HTRF)

Mice Are Known Carriers of Various Diseases

Mice seem harmless at first glance, but these small rodents are known carriers of various diseases that can easily spread throughout a household. Unlike larger wildlife like raccoons or squirrels, mice are often found in more accessible areas of the home which increases the likelihood of contact with humans.

They can be found nesting in areas of the kitchen, basements, garage, attic and behind walls, and they can easily get into food storage areas, closets, and even living rooms, which all increase the chances of coming into contact with humans and pets.

The bottom line is that mice can introduce numerous health hazards if they’re not promptly removed.

Common Diseases Spread by Mice

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Hantavirus is a serious respiratory disease that can be potentially fatal. It is primarily transmitted through contact with the mice droppings, urine, or saliva of infected mice. Even breathing in dust contaminated with these substances can lead to an infection.

Symptoms include feeling the flu, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and can quickly turn into severe respiratory problems. This is why it’s important to use proper protective gear when cleaning up a large rodent mess to prevent Hantavirus exposure.

According to NCBI, cases are rare but potentially severe when they occur.

Salmonella

Mice can also spread Salmonellosis which can cause food poisoning. This occurs when mice contaminate food or kitchen surfaces with their feces. Mice carry salmonella in their intestines and can spread the disease through being in contact with their droppings.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Regularly checking for signs of mice and keeping your kitchen clean are key ways of reducing the risk of Salmonella transmission in your home.

According to the Pubmed website, there are an average of over 87,000 cases of Salmonella per year in Canada.

Leptospirosis

This bacterial infection is often transmitted through direct contact with water or food contaminated by the urine of infected animals and this includes rats and mice.

Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, and in severe cases, liver damage and kidney failure.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, it is rare but can occur, especially in people who are frequently in contact with contaminated water or animals.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)

LCMV is a rodent-borne viral infection that mice can transmit through their saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids. It can be spread through direct contact or inhaling the virus through dust and particles.

LCMV can lead to severe neurological conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis, especially in people with compromised immune systems, young children or pregnant women.

Research has shown that LCMV is relatively common in North America but serious cases are rare. The statement might be misleading about the prevalence of the virus itself.

Rat-Bite Fever

Although its name suggests otherwise, rat-bite fever can also be spread by mice. Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus is a disease that is transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected rodent or by consuming food or water that’s contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms rat-bite fever typically include a fever, vomiting, muscle pain, and rash, and it can develop up to 10 days after exposure.

The disease can cause joint pain and inflammation, and in severe cases it can lead to serious issues like endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining), destructive joint disease, pericarditis, abscesses, pneumonia, parotitis, pancreatitis, meningitis and amnionitis.

It’s important to quickly identify and treat the disease to prevent serious complications.

Rat-bite fever is relatively rare in North America. Specific data on annual case numbers are not widely reported because it is not a nationally notifiable disease. However, localized studies, such as one in California, identified 17 cases between 2000 and 2012 which indicates that many cases are undiagnosed.

Plague

Rats and mice can also carry fleas that are infected with the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which can cause the plague. The plague has three forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic, with each varying in severity.

Symptoms can include a fever, the chills, body weakness, swollen lymph nodes (bubonic), abdominal pain, and even respiratory issues (pneumonic). The plague is actually quite rare today but it’s still a risk in areas with a high rodent population, There are still cases of the plague found in parts of North America today.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there approximately 7 cases of the plague annually.

Tularemia

F. tularensis is a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. This disease can spread through mice bites, handling contaminated materials, or through the inhalation of dust that’s contaminated with the Tularemia bacteria.

Symptoms can vary based on how one contracted the infection but can include fever, skin ulcers, swollen lymph glands, and severe respiratory issues. Tularemia is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention and needs to be treated with antibiotics.

According to Public Health Ontario, since 2013 there have been four confirmed cases of tularemia reported in Ontario.

Murine Typhus

Murine typhus is a rare disease caused by Rickettsia typhi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas that live on mice.

Symptoms include high fever, headache, the chills, and a body rash that can last for several weeks.

Murine typhus is not usually fatal but can cause severe illnesses in vulnerable populations, i.e. children, elderly and pregnant women.

According to the Government of Alberta website, No specific information on murine typhus is available, however, one case of typhus was reported in 2001 and three other rickettsial infections were reported from 1985 to 2002.

Tapeworms

Mice can carry the eggs of Hymenolepis microstoma tapeworms and transmit them to humans through accidental ingestion of food or water contaminated with these eggs.

Tapeworms primarily affect the digestive system and they can cause a range of symptoms from mild abdominal pain to more severe issues like nutritional deficiencies and organ damage.

The treatment usually includes a prescription of an antiparasitic medications that kills the tapeworms and helps expel them from the body.

There is not much data reporting the number of cases of H. microstoma in humans in either the US or Canada, but in 2019 the University of Guelph reported that over the past 5 years, several human cases in Canada have been found.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is usually associated with tick bites but mice can also be infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes the disease. Ticks that feed on infected mice can become carriers and then transmit the bacteria to humans.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called Erythema chronicum migrans. If Lyme disease is not treated, the infection can spread to the joints and the heart, and cause havoc in the victim’s nervous system.

According to the Canada.ca website, there were 2,544 human cases of Lyme Disease in Canada, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 62,551 case in 2022.

Colorado Tick Fever

Mice can carry ticks that transmit Colorado Tick Fever, caused by the D. andersoni virus, through bites from infected Rocky Mountain wood ticks. This viral infection presents with symptoms like fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain, and is typically found in the western United States.

Colorado Tick Fever is generally rare and mostly found in the Rocky Mountain states in the U.S.

According to a 2018 paper published on the National Library of Medicine, cases have been identified in more than 14 US states and only one clinical case of Colorado tick fever was acquired in Canada.

Hard Tick Relapsing Fever

HTRF is caused by the Borrelia miyamotoi bacteria and can be transmitted by certain tick bites too. Mice often carry these ticks, which can then jump to and bite humans.

The symptoms include recurring bouts of fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and nausea. It requires a prompt antibiotic treatment to avoid severe complications.

Case number for Hard Tick Relapsing Fever in Canada are not available, but a survey in Manitoba found that 3% of blood donors tested positive for Borrelia miyamotoi antibodies. This does not necessarily indicate active disease cases because exposure does not always result in illness.

Respiratory Issues Like Asthma and Allergies

Mouse droppings and urine can exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, especially in children. The proteins found in mouse urine are strong allergens that can become airborne and inhaled by humans. It simply worsens asthma symptoms and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

There is no data being reported concerning the connection between allergens and asthmatic cases in Canada or the US.

Most Common Mice Entry Points

Before you continue, watch this video where our pest control specialist Jared Houliston shows common mice entry points where you can take note of and do an inspection for mice yourself.

The Importance of Mice Removal and Mice Exclusion

The diseases mice can transmit stress the importance of effective mice control. Ensuring mice are quickly and safely removed from your home can protect your family from these dangerous diseases, so don’t delay in seeking professional removal of mice and keep them out permanently.

2 Responses to “Diseases Mice Can Spread When They’re Not Removed From a Home”

  1. Gerard Josiah Altenwerth says:

    I recently had an issue with mice in my home, and it was concerning to learn about the diseases they can spread. I think it’s crucial to address this problem quickly, especially during this time of year when they start coming indoors. What steps should I take to ensure my home is safe?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *