Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis: You Contract the Virus from Rodents

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis or LCM is a virus that can be transmitted from rodents to humans. The virus can cause inflammation of the brain and eventually cause death. A mouse is most likely to carry the virus and it is found it its salvia, droppings and urine.

Some people do not become ill from the virus and others will typically show symptoms 8-13 days afterwards. The risk is greater for those people that may have more of a rodent problem in their household or have more exposure to rodents. This can also be the case if you buy rodents from any pet breeder or pet store.

Symptoms of this virus start out with simple joint pains, maybe a sore throat, signs that it could be less of a problem and more common. If the person recovers fine from this and it is due to the LCM virus, a few days later they will develop meningitis like symptoms of fever, perhaps a headache or stiffness in the neck area.

Buying a rodent from a pet store maybe more dangerous than originally thought of. It is prudent to check to see where rodents are purchased and if the selling merchant or breeder has documents proving the rodent is not ill. In some cases, people will not know their pet has this virus and will be infected and later die. Hamsters or Guinea Pigs are not noted for having LCM unless they are in contact with more "wild" rodents. In return, this contact will possible infect them with the virus.

In just May of 2005 the MMWR reported cases of LCM infecting organ transplant recipients. And just recently with the lawsuit of from a widow who's husband had died from a transplanted organ from a woman who bought an infected hamster from a local pet store, others became ill from organs transplanted from this woman as well.

How can LCM be prevented from occurring?

First:

Find out where the Hamster or Guinea Pig has been bought. This helps you to know whether or not there is a possible risk for LCM to occur.

Second:

Make sure that your house is rodent free. Having regular inspections or checking if you can yourself will help to make sure that you won't be exposed to droppings or fresh urine.

Last:

Make sure if you are interested in purchasing a pet of the rodent family that you do research into what viruses or illnesses owning such a pet you can be exposed to. It is important to know this so you will help be safe from life-threatening viruses such as LCM.

Sources:

The Consumerist Widow sues Petsmart over Killer Hamster The Consumerist

MMWR Update: Interim Guidance for Minimizing Risk for Human Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection Associated with Pet Rodents

CDC Lymphocytic choriomeningitis CDC Special Pathogens Branch