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Pest and pesticide news Mouse virus may cause birth defects. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Lymphocytic choriomeningitis or LCM is a rodent borne viral disease which has received recent attention due to several high profile cases. The virus is primarily transmitted by the house mouse but there have also been cases of transmission with pet rodents. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 5% of house mouse populations are infected with the virus. NPMA is currently funded some additional studies and surveys of house mice by Purdue University. Infected rodents develop no symptoms. Infection symptoms in humans can range from swelling of the brain and or spinal column to no visible signs. Milder symptoms may include: fever, muscle ache, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Other less frequent symptoms include: sore throat, cough, joint pain, chest pain, testicular pain and parotid or salivary gland pain. Mortality rates are less than 1% but it can be particularly devastating for pregnant females who contract the disease because of the potential for birth defects. The disease is transmitted similarly to Hanta virus. It is transmitted through contact with the droppings, urine, nesting materials or saliva of infected rodents. The viral particles may be inhaled or enter the body through open cuts or wounds. There are no known cases of transmission from one person to another other. How do we protect our service personnel? The CDC recommends that the same procedures that are used for Hanta virus protection be used for LCM protection. Respiratory protection with a HEPA filter should be worn when working in situations where air borne particles might be inhaled. Gloves should be worn when servicing rodent traps, stations or other points of contact with contaminated surfaces. All urine, droppings and carcasses should be wetted with a bleach solution or other disinfectant. Steps should be taken to avoid stirring up contaminated dust to prevent inhalation of the dust. Dead mice should be sprayed with disinfectant and double bagged for disposal. All technicians should wash with soap and water after handling contaminated surfaces. Seek medical advice for pregnant service personnel regarding any additional precautions or restrictions from their physicians. For more information on LCM, visit the CDC site at: www.cdc.gov
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