Can House Mice Have Rabies?

Living in the same environment as mice can create some problems and make life a little bit difficult in your home. Not only are these pests a nuisance, but they also invite some health risks to your loved ones in your home. Mice, as well as some other rodents, are known to carry some diseases that can be spread to humans directly through contact with their saliva, feces, urine or through bites. Call The Exterminators for the immediate mice pest control services.

With that in mind, can mice infect humans with rabies? According to the CDC, small rodents such as hamsters, squirrels, gerbils, chipmunks, and mice are almost never found to be infected with rabies and are also not known to transmit rabies to humans. While all mammals have the capability of spreading rabies, no such reports have been made about mice. This doesn’t mean that mice a free from infecting other diseases and they can get enter your home very easily via small cracks in the foundation or walls, but can mice climb brick walls? Yes, mice can climb. Mice are great climbers and have no issue climbing brick walls.

Some diseases can be spread from mice through parasites they harbor such as ticks, mites, and fleas. It’s not uncommon for mice to seek alternative shelter in our homes during winter, by doing so can lead to spreading of illnesses to those living within the infested area. While mice might not spread rabies to you and 21 million other homes every winter, you need to be aware of three common diseases that can be easily spread without proper prevention. Mice have babies very often and as a result their population can grow out of hand fast.

Rat-bite fever

Rat-bite fever will affect individuals who have been bitten by an infected rat or mouse. This bite normally heals quickly, however, a few days later symptoms such as fever, skin rash; muscle pain will arise. The symptoms can worsen over 21 days, and the victim might need hospitalization

Salmonella

Most small rodents are known to carry Salmonella bacteria in their digestive tracts. This bacterium is spread when humans come in contact with mouse droppings. This bacterium is spread when the mice contaminate water and food in the home. It can also be spread to your pets, which is often fatal. In humans, some of the symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, chills, and diarrhea. According to the CDC more than 42,000 people every year are affected by salmonella due to improper pest prevention.

Hantavirus

It was first discovered in 1993 and is normally spread by the white-footed mouse, rice rat, and cotton rat. Individuals can be exposed to this virus in some ways, but the primary cause is due to exposure in and around your home from a mouse infestation. This virus can be transmitted to people when dried rodent waste is stirred up and breathed in. You could also get it if your food is contaminated with mice droppings.

Which animals can have rabies?

All warm-blooded animals can get rabies. This includes humans, cats, dogs, rodents, raccoons, and all other mammals. Birds, lizards, turtles, fish, and insects cannot get rabies. The disease is spread from one warm-blooded animal to the next through direct contact, such as a bite or through mucous membranes.

Symptoms vary between species, though it is nearly always fatal. Most creatures have difficulty swallowing and become restless. Symptoms include seizure, paralysis, and excessive drooling. Humans may experience fever, headache, vomiting, anxiety, and hyperactivity. It is important that you see a doctor immediately following a bite from a wild animal, or as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

In Canada, the majority of all cases come from bats. Of the 104 cases reported in 2020, 75 occurred in bats, followed by 15 in skunks, 4 in raccoons, and fewer in dogs, cattle, foxes, and cats. Given that bats in Canada feed only on insects, you don’t need to worry too much about them transmitting the disease. However, if a bat ever gets into your house, get vaccinated to protect yourself. Rabies is a fatal disease.

While it is very rare for rodents to have rabies, there is always the risk. Always keep your distance from household pests and have them removed as soon as possible.

Call a Pest Control Company

The best way to prevent infections from any of these diseases is by preventing an infestation. Hiring a professional pest control Toronto services is perhaps the most effective way to get rid of disease spreading mice from your home. Call The Exterminators if you need help with mice, due to our industry knowledge, experience and skill, we will be able to get rid of the mice, decontaminate your house and proof it to prevent future invasions: 647-496-2211.