The rodent disease El Paso residents hear about most is hantavirus. The CDC names the deer mouse as the most common carrier of the hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the United States, and deer mice are common in the Trans-Pecos. People are usually infected through contact with rodent urine, droppings and saliva, often by breathing dust from a nest or droppings that get stirred up. Cases are rare in Texas, but the illness is serious.
Rodents also spread other diseases, including leptospirosis and rat-bite fever. This article covers how each spreads, the symptoms the CDC lists, and how to protect yourself. It is general information. If you are sick, see a doctor.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
According to the CDC, people mainly get hantavirus from contact with infected rodents' urine, droppings and saliva. A bite or scratch can spread it too, but that is rare. Sweeping or vacuuming dried droppings and nests can put the virus into the air, which is why cleanup instructions focus on wetting everything first.
Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome usually start 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent. The CDC reports that 38 percent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die. Early symptoms are easy to mistake for flu: fatigue, fever and muscle aches. If you get those after cleaning up after rodents, tell a doctor about the exposure.
How common is it in Texas?
Not common. A Texas Department of State Health Services release in April 2014 said 39 cases had been confirmed in the state since 1993, 14 of them fatal. A published review of Texas cases through 2016 counted 45 and found them clustered in the northwest part of the state, the Panhandle region. Texas Tech's Mammals of Texas notes that a few people, particularly on the High Plains, have died from it.
El Paso borders New Mexico, where the state Department of Health also tracks hantavirus cases. The takeaway is the same on both sides of the line: the risk is low, the consequences can be severe, and safe cleanup is easy to do.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria. The CDC says the bacteria spread through the urine of infected animals, including rodents, livestock, pets and wildlife, and can survive in contaminated water or soil for weeks to months. People are most at risk when they drink, swim or wade in contaminated water, especially after floods or heavy rain.
The incubation period is usually 5 to 14 days, with a range of 2 to 30. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, chills, abdominal pain and red eyes, and some people have no symptoms. Untreated, it can damage the kidneys and liver. In El Paso, summer monsoon storms can leave standing water, so avoid wading in floodwater where rodents are active.
Rat-bite fever
Rat-bite fever is a bacterial infection people can get from contact with rodents. The CDC says rats, mice and some other rodents can carry the bacteria without looking sick. It spreads through bites, scratches, contact with a rodent's saliva or urine, contaminated bedding or materials, and contaminated food or drink. It does not spread between people.
Symptoms usually start 3 to 10 days after contact, and can take up to 21 days: fever, vomiting, headache and muscle pain, with joint pain in about half of people and a rash in about three in four. The CDC says it must be treated quickly, and antibiotics can cure it when started early.
Who is most at risk
Hantavirus exposure usually happens during cleaning. People who open and clean closed sheds, cabins, barns, RVs or garages where deer mice have been living have the most contact with dried droppings and nests. Farm work and storage work carry similar exposure. Following the CDC cleanup steps cuts that risk sharply. If you have a lot of cleaning to do, see our rodent droppings cleanup page.
How to protect yourself
The CDC's prevention advice comes down to keeping rodents out and cleaning up safely.
- Seal gaps a quarter inch and larger so mice cannot get in.
- Trap with snap traps. Avoid glue and live traps, which make rodents urinate.
- Before cleaning, open doors and windows for 30 minutes.
- Wear gloves and spray droppings, urine and nests with a 1-to-9 bleach solution or disinfectant. Let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up, double-bag, and throw away in a covered can. Never sweep or vacuum.
- Wash gloved hands, remove gloves, then wash hands with soap and warm water.
For heavy contamination, closed sheds, cabins or attics, consider professional droppings cleanup. If you are not sure which mouse you have, our deer mouse vs house mouse article can help.
Frequently asked questions
Which rodent carries hantavirus in El Paso?
The CDC names the deer mouse as the most common US carrier of the hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
How soon do hantavirus symptoms start?
Usually 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent, according to the CDC.
Is hantavirus common in Texas?
No. A 2014 Texas DSHS release counted 39 confirmed cases in the state since 1993.
Can I get sick from rat urine?
Yes. Leptospirosis spreads through the urine of infected animals, including rodents, and rat-bite fever can spread through urine and saliva.
Is this medical advice?
No. See a doctor if you feel sick after contact with rodents or their droppings, and mention the exposure.
Sources
- CDC: About hantavirus
- CDC: Preventing hantavirus
- CDC: How to clean up after rodents
- Texas DSHS: Hantavirus case prompts precaution reminder (2014)
- Pulmonary Chronicles: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Texas, 1993 through 2016
- CDC: Leptospirosis clinical overview
- CDC: Signs and symptoms of rat-bite fever
- Texas Tech University, Mammals of Texas: North American deermouse