Fever & Muscle Pain After Rodent Exposure? See a Doctor Now!

Published on, 20 February, 2025. Answered by Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul and Verified by Dr.Galen Team
Patient Question

Hello Doctor,

 

I vacuumed mouse droppings while cleaning my husband's office at a golf course in Greenville, SC. I later read about hantavirus and am now really scared. The droppings were likely over a week old, and a dead mouse was found there about 1.5 weeks ago. I don’t know if it was the same mouse. I keep reading online about how deadly hantavirus is and can’t stop panicking. How likely am I to have been exposed, and what should I do?

 

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

 

Hantavirus can spread from rodents to humans, but it is rare. The risk is lower with older droppings. Monitor for fever, muscle pain, abdominal pain, or diarrhea for up to 3 weeks. If symptoms appear, see a doctor immediately.

 

Thanks

 


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About Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul

Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul

Infectious Disease Specialist

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