Concerns about house mice transmitting diseases like rabies are common. This article clarifies the risk associated with house mice and rabies, and provides guidance on what to do if a bite occurs.
Rabies and Small Rodents
House mice, along with other small rodents such as hamsters, gerbils, and chipmunks, are very rarely found to be infected with rabies. They are not known to transmit rabies to humans in the United States. If a small rodent were bitten by a rabid animal, it would likely die from the attack or the disease before it could transmit the virus. Between 2011 and 2020, a study on rabies cases in U.S. rodents and lagomorphs reported no identified cases in house mice. The primary carriers of rabies in the U.S. are wild mammals like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, accounting for over 90% of reported animal cases.
Understanding Rabies Transmission
Rabies is a serious viral disease impacting the central nervous system in mammals. The virus is typically present in an infected animal’s saliva, and transmission most commonly occurs when this saliva enters the body through a bite wound. It can also be transmitted if infectious material contacts open wounds or mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth. The rabies virus does not survive long outside a host and is inactivated by drying; once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal.
Responding to a Mouse Bite
If a mouse bite occurs, immediate wound care is important. The bitten area should be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap for at least five minutes to remove potential contaminants. After cleaning, the wound should be dried, and an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment can be applied. Covering the bite with a clean bandage helps protect it from external contaminants.
Seeking medical attention after any animal bite is advisable, even if the wound appears minor. While rabies from house mice is extremely rare, professional medical advice is important because other infections, such as bacterial infections, are possible. A healthcare professional can assess the situation, monitor for signs of infection like increased pain, redness, or swelling, and provide guidance on any necessary treatment, including a tetanus booster if indicated.