Mouse Droppings & Salmonella

Mice carry many diseases.

As the human population grows and expands into rural areas, contact with mice is inevitable. According to United Wildlife, mice are considered dirty animals and carry many diseases, such as salmonella.

The Facts

Mice find human dwellings warm and lucrative, in the form of a good food source. The kitchen is an ideal area for mice to feed on grains and sift through open garbage cans, leaving their droppings behind for potential disease issues.

Function

Salmonella is a bacteria that lives in the feces of humans or animals, states the USDA. People contract it either by ingesting the bacteria in contaminated food or by failing to wash their hands after coming into contact with the bacteria. Mice droppings near food preparation areas can contaminate foods with salmonella.

Effects

Salmonella causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, according to the USDA.

Interesting Fact

If salmonella is contracted, the symptoms usually wear off in four to seven days. A majority of people never see a doctor in regards to this reaction.

Warning

According to the USDA, always wash your hands before eating or handling foods. Keeping foods in airtight containers and emptying garbage cans regularly will keep curious mice at bay, and their droppings out of the home.

References

• USDA: Salmonella Fact Sheet
• United Wildlife: Mice Control