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Staying Healthy During a Mouse Plague

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Staying Healthy During a Mouse Plague health.nsw.gov.au health.nsw.gov.au Staying healthy during a mouse plague Health risks associated with rodents Complications can include deep infections and sepsis. The wound is usually not visible by the time Mice, rats and other rodents may carry infections the illness presents. Treatment is with antibiotics. that can spread to humans. These infections can spread through direct contact with infected Gastrointestinal infections such mice or through contact with soil, food or water as salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis contaminated by infected mice. These infections and cryptosporidiosis are rare, but people should take steps to reduce Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, their risk. abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, body aches and lethargy. Rodent-borne infectious diseases A number of bacterial infections that are usually Diseases that humans can get from mice include: foodborne can also be transmitted by rodents. This can be via direct contact with rodents or Leptospirosis contamination of food preparation surfaces. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore On rare occasions these infections can result muscles, chills, vomiting and red eyes. in severe disease. Specific antibiotics and other Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. The bacteria medications can be given for these infections. may be present in mouse and rat urine and can enter the human body through cuts or abrasions, and occasionally through the lining of the mouth, Protecting your health nose and eyes. Treatment is with antibiotics. Minimising rodent contact Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus • Seal any holes or gaps inside your home. (LCMV) infection • Store food inside thick, well-sealed containers Symptoms include influenza-like illness, and clean up any spills/leftover food promptly headache and meningism (neck stiffness to avoid attracting rodents. and pain when looking at light). • Do not set mouse traps near food preparation areas. LCMV infections usually come from exposure to urine, faeces or saliva of infected rodents. What to do if you are bitten by a rodent Symptoms may be mild or can include an influenza- • Immediately clean the wound with soap like illness and sometimes meningitis (infection and water. of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord). • Dry the area, apply an antibiotic cream and Infection in pregnancy has not been recorded in a clean bandage. Australia. However, there have been cases where LCMV infection in pregnancy has resulted in • Seek medical attention. You may need a adverse outcomes (fetal death or congenital tetanus immunisation, and in some circumstances conditions affecting the central nervous system). (not always), antibiotics are given to prevent infection. Rat bite fever • As the wound heals, keep an eye out for Symptoms may include fever, muscle pain, signs of infection such as skin that is warm rash, joint pains, vomiting and headache. to the touch, redness or pain. See a doctor if these signs develop. Rat bite fever is a bacterial illness that can be contracted through the bite of an infected animal or from exposure to water or food contaminated by rodent urine or faeces. 1 Staying healthy during a mouse plague health.nsw.gov.auhealth.nsw.gov.au Clean and disinfect mouse contact areas If cleaning of the tank requires entering the tank, it is recommended that a qualified professional tank • Mop floors and clean countertops with cleaner undertake this activity. Cleaning water disinfectant or bleach solution. tanks presents a number of health and safety risks, • Steam clean or shampoo upholstered furniture such as working in confined spaces. and carpets with evidence of rodent exposure. For further information on tank disinfection and • Wash any bedding and clothing with laundry cleaning see the NSW Health webpage on rainwater detergent in hot water if exposed to rodent urine tanks under the additional resources below. or droppings. Mouse baits and poisons Clean up of mouse carcasses Mouse baits must always be used in accordance When cleaning up mouse carcases or working with the instructions on the label. Mouse baits in areas where mice have been: licenced for agricultural use must never be used • Wear gloves. for domestic purposes. Agricultural mouse bait • Wear waterproof protective clothing and products containing zinc phosphide release footwear. phosphine gas when they react with moisture • Cover cuts and abrasions with a waterproof or acids. Children and pets should be kept away dressing. from areas where mouse baits have been used. • Wash hands with soap and dry your hands after completing the clean-up, and especially before eating. Additional resources • Ideally, any handling of mouse carcasses should be undertaken by household members Leptospirosis: who are not pregnant or immunosuppressed. www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/ Pages/leptospirosis.aspx Rainwater tanks contaminated Lymphocytic choriomeningitis: by mouse carcasses www.cdc.gov/vhf/lcm/index.html Tank inlets and overflows should have screens installed to prevent entry of mice and other small Rainwater tanks: animals and leaves. Check the tank regularly to www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/ ensure there are no gaps. Pages/rainwater.aspx Rainwater can be by disinfected by bringing it to a rolling boil and being allowed to cool before Disinfection ready reckoner tables: drinking. A kettle with an automatic shut off switch www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/ can do this. Documents/chlorine-ready-reckoner-tables.pdf If you suspect that water in your rainwater tank has been contaminated, it can be disinfected Speak with your GP if you have any with powdered swimming pool chlorine (calcium further health concerns related to hypochlorite, 65% available chlorine) or liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite, 12.5% available rodent-borne disease. chlorine). You should not use stabilised chlorine (chlorine cyanurates). Ready reckoner tables are Call your local Public Health Unit if you available to help guide the amount of chlorine have other public health-related concerns needed for different tank sizes. See link under on 1300 066 055. additional resources below. If sludge is present in your rainwater tank it should This factsheet is also available in Arabic, be removed by siphon or by complete emptying Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Farsi, Korean of the tank and cleaning. and Vietnamese from Multicultural Health Communication Service at www.mhcs.health. nsw.gov.au/publications/staying-healthy- during-a-mouse-plague July 2021 © NSW Ministry of Health. SHPN (HP NSW) 210450. 2.
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