Rodent Diseases: Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, RBF

Rats and mice can carry germs that make people sick. Three illnesses come up most often: hantavirus, spread mainly by deer mice; leptospirosis, spread through the urine of infected animals including rats and mice; and rat-bite fever, spread by bites, scratches and contact with rodent saliva or urine.

The way to protect yourself is the same for all three: keep rodents out of the house, do not touch rodents or their waste with bare hands, and clean up droppings and nests the way the CDC recommends, by wetting them with disinfectant first and never sweeping or vacuuming. This article summarizes what the CDC says about each illness. It is general information, not medical advice.

Hantavirus

The CDC says the most common hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the United States is spread by the deer mouse. People get infected mainly through contact with rodent urine, droppings and saliva. When fresh urine, droppings or nesting from an infected rodent are stirred up, the virus can get into the air. Bites and scratches can spread it too, but the CDC says that is rare.

Symptoms, according to the CDC:

One to eight weeks after rodent contact: fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in large muscle groups. About half of patients also have headaches, dizziness, chills or stomach problems.
Four to ten days later: coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness as the lungs fill with fluid.

The CDC says 38 percent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die.

Around Asheville, deer mice and white-footed mice live in the woods and get into cabins, sheds, barns and garages. Opening a closed building and sweeping it out is the classic risky moment. See deer mice in cabins and outbuildings.

Leptospirosis

The CDC says the bacteria that cause leptospirosis spread through the urine of infected animals, and that rats and mice are among the animals that carry them. The bacteria can survive in contaminated water or soil for weeks to months. People can also get infected through contact with an infected animal's body fluids or by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with animal urine.

The CDC notes that leptospirosis risk often increases after a hurricane or flood when people come in contact with contaminated water or soil. Symptoms range widely and can include fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea and jaundice. They can be mistaken for other illnesses, and some people have no symptoms.

That is why flood cleanup calls for gloves and boots. See rodents after flooding and Helene cleanup.

Rat-bite fever

The CDC says rat-bite fever is caused by bacteria that are a normal part of the germs in certain rodents, including rats and mice, which usually look healthy. It spreads through bites, scratches and contact with a rodent's saliva or urine, and through food or drinks contaminated by rodents. It does not spread between people.

In North America, symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and muscle pain. The CDC says about half of people get joint pain or swelling and about three in four get a rash, often on the hands and feet. Symptoms usually start 3 to 10 days after contact and can appear up to 21 days later. Early antibiotic treatment can cure it, and the CDC advises anyone with symptoms and recent rodent contact to see a provider right away and mention the contact.

Never try to grab a live rat or mouse by hand. See emergency rodent removal if one is loose in the house.

Want the cleanup done safely?

Your call goes to an independent rodent control provider serving Asheville and Buncombe County. Describe what you are seeing and ask for the plan and the price in writing before any work starts.

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How to protect yourself

Keep rodents out. Seal gaps of a quarter inch or larger, as NC State Extension recommends, and remove food and shelter. See rodent exclusion.
Do not touch rodents, droppings or nests with bare hands.
Air out closed spaces for 30 minutes before cleaning, as the CDC recommends.
Wet droppings, urine and nests with disinfectant, like a fresh mix of one and a half cups of bleach per gallon of water, and let it sit for five minutes before wiping up.
Do not sweep or vacuum rodent waste.
Double bag dead rodents and nesting material.
Wash your hands well after any cleanup.
Wear gloves and boots in floodwater and mud.

For large cleanups in attics, crawl spaces, cabins or barns, a provider with respirators is the safer choice. See droppings cleanup.

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare provider if you get a fever, muscle aches, breathing trouble or a rash after contact with rodents, their droppings or floodwater, and tell them about the exposure. If you have trouble breathing, get care right away.

Frequently asked questions

Which rodent carries hantavirus in the U.S.?

The CDC says the most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the United States is spread by the deer mouse.

Can I get sick from cleaning mouse droppings?

It is possible if droppings are stirred up or touched. The CDC says to air out the space, wear gloves, soak droppings with disinfectant and never sweep or vacuum them.

Is leptospirosis more common after floods?

The CDC says leptospirosis risk often increases after a hurricane or flood when people have contact with contaminated water or soil.

How soon do rat-bite fever symptoms start?

The CDC says usually 3 to 10 days after contact, and up to 21 days.

Can pets get sick from rodents?

The CDC lists many animals that can carry leptospirosis. Ask your veterinarian about risks for your pets, and keep pet food and water away from places rodents travel.

Get a rodent technician on the phone

Free to call. You are connected with an independent provider serving Asheville and the rest of Buncombe County. Same-day appointments are often available.