Observing good hygiene practices and environmental modifications can reduce the risk of infection from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus from rodents, both pet and wild, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) has been shown to transfer from rodents to humans, but not from person to person. Symptoms of LCMV are flulike, including stiff neck, fever, muscle aches, and nausea. (MMWR 2005;54:747–9).
Most LCMV infections do not cause serious illness, although pregnant women may be at an increased risk. Pregnant women who discover wild mice or other rodents in their homes should leave the capture and removal of the animals to others. They should also avoid spending long periods of time in the same room as a pet rodent and should not clean the cage or feed the animal. If possible, pregnant women should arrange for a friend or relative to adopt the rodent during their pregnancy.
Although the risk for LCMV is low, transmission of infection from mother to fetus has been reported, and infection during the first or second trimester can cause developmental problems in the fetus, according to the CDC.
The prevalence of LCVM in pet rodents is not known; it is found in hamsters, guinea pigs, and pet mice that have come into contact with infected wild rodents at pet stores, breeders, or homes.
Anyone who handles pet rodents should follow the care practices below to reduce their risk for infection:
▸ Wash hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer after handling pet rodents or cleaning areas where they have been.
▸ Keep cages clean and change soiled bedding.
▸ Clean cages outside or in a well-ventilated area.
▸ Supervise young children while they clean cages or handle rodents and ensure that children wash their hands afterward.
▸ Never kiss rodents or hold them close to the face.
▸ Never allow pet rodents to come into contact with wild rodents, or wild rodent nests or droppings, and never release pet rodents into the wild.
▸ Keep rodent cages and food supplies covered.
▸ Always supervise pet rodents when they are not in their cages.
For additional information on how to purchase healthy pet rodents, and then keep them healthy, visit www.cdc.gov/healthypets/lcmv_rodents.htm