Hello, I'm a public health professional with a focus on environmental and occupational health. I can provide you with information on the potential health risks associated with mouse droppings.

Mouse droppings can indeed make you sick, primarily due to the presence of harmful pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, that they may carry. One of the most well-known diseases associated with mouse droppings is hantavirus, which can cause a severe respiratory illness. Additionally, mice can spread salmonellosis, a type of food poisoning, and other diseases such as leptospirosis and lyme disease.

Exposure to mouse droppings can occur through direct contact, inhalation of dust contaminated with the droppings, or by ingesting food that has come into contact with them. The bacteria and viruses present in mouse droppings can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, depending on the specific pathogen and the individual's immune system.

It's important to clean up mouse droppings carefully to avoid spreading the pathogens. This should be done using proper protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask, and by following specific cleaning and disinfection protocols.

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Even though not all rodents have the virus, it is difficult to properly identify mice; so all rodents should be avoided. People may get sick when they touch or breathe dust from where there are rodent droppings (feces) or urine. Insect bites will not make you sick and you will not get HPS from another person.read more >>