August 11, 2021
Rural residents are being reminded to keep practicing good hygiene, handwashing and cleaning after a number of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis cases have been reported in the Darling Downs Health region.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) is transmitted by mice and can spread to humans with symptoms including severe headaches and in some cases meningitis.
Meningitis is an inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis may cause headaches, fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite and lethargy.
Pregnant women are particularly at risk with evidence showing the LCM virus can affect unborn babies and may cause miscarriage.
LCMV is not transmitted from person-to-person.
So far this year, there have been 10 cases confirmed in the Darling Downs Public Health Unit area.
This is significant as previously LCMV was not known to be a problem in Australia.
A case was identified in NSW in March this year.
Public Health Unit Senior Medical Officer Dr Liam Flynn said the recent LCMV cases coincided with an increase in rodent activity in the local area.
“We have seen an increase in rodents, particularly mice, in our rural areas,” Dr Flynn said.
“Human infections are usually caused by exposure to an infected animal through the unintentional ingestion or inhalation of its urine or excrement. This includes nesting materials, urine, droppings, and saliva.”
Dr Flynn said the best way to avoid getting LCMV was frequent handwashing, particularly before eating, and thorough cleaning of the areas where rodents have been.
“Good hygiene practices like washing your hands before eating, discouraging mice from in and around your home, and keeping areas clean, are the best methods of prevention.”
LCMV usually improves on its own, but it was important that residents still see a doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13-45-25-84) if they were feeling unwell.
- Related article: Lepto Rise Linked To Mice
