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Rodents, such as mice, hamsters and guinea pigs, are popular as pets in many households. However, not all rodents that enter homes are intended as pets: some rodents are brought into homes as feed for other animals (e.g., pet snakes), and others, such as the house mouse, are pests that find their own way into homes. This fact sheet is intended to provide information about lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), which can be transmitted to humans by rodents, including wild and pet mice, hamsters, and, on occasion, guinea pigs.
What is LCMV?
LCMV is carried by rodents and can be passed to humans. Not all people who are exposed to the virus become ill. Signs and symptoms of LCMV infection are similar to those for influenza and include fever, stiff neck, malaise, anorexia (lack of appetite), muscle aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms occur 1–2 weeks after exposure.
How is LCMV transmitted to humans?
The house mouse, a wild rodent found near and in homes, is the primary host of this virus. Humans can develop LCMV infection from exposure to rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting material of infected rodents. Virus transmission can also occur when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin or into the nose, eyes, or mouth or by a bite from an infected animal. Pet rodents, such as hamsters and guinea pigs, can become infected with LCMV after being in contact with wild rodents at a breeding facility, pet store, or home. Human infections from pet rodents are rare.