lymphocytic choriomeningitis

lymphocytic choriomeningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord. for some people, the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (lcmv) causes mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. but the virus is of special concern to people with weak immune systems and to people who are pregnant. lcmv can infect a baby before birth and cause disability.

lcmv can be carried by:

common house mice. you can be infected by handling or breathing dust from an infected mouse's feces, urine, saliva, or nest.
pet rodents or feeder mice. rarely, a rodent pet, such as a mouse, hamster, or guinea pig, is infected by house mice and passes the virus on to humans.

to lower your risk of lcmv infection:

control house mice in your home.
wear gloves if you feed mice to reptiles.
wash your hands with soap and water after you handle rodents or pet bedding.
use a disinfectant to clean up areas affected by house mice. avoid sweeping or vacuuming, which stirs up dust.

do not use a cabin or any other enclosed shelter that has signs of mice until it has been aired out, cleaned, and disinfected.

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lymphocytic choriomeningitis

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