{"id":303890,"date":"2021-08-11T14:25:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T04:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=303890"},"modified":"2021-08-11T14:25:00","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T04:25:00","slug":"new-virus-spread-by-mice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2021\/08\/11\/new-virus-spread-by-mice\/","title":{"rendered":"New Virus Spread By Mice"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cases of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus have been linked to the number of mice in the region (Photo: GRDC \/ CSIRO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 11, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) is transmitted by mice and can spread to humans with symptoms including severe headaches and in some cases meningitis.<\/p>\n

Meningitis is an inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.\u00a0Viral meningitis may cause headaches, fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite and lethargy.<\/p>\n

Pregnant women are particularly at risk with evidence showing the LCM virus can affect unborn babies and may cause miscarriage.<\/p>\n

LCMV is not transmitted from person-to-person.<\/p>\n

So far this year, there have been 10 cases confirmed in the Darling Downs Public Health Unit area.<\/p>\n

This is significant as previously LCMV was not known to be a problem in Australia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A case was identified in NSW in March this year.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have seen an increase in rodents, particularly mice, in our rural areas,\u201d Dr Flynn said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman 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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n