How do mice and rats spread disease?
Mice and rats can spread diseases through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, feces, urine, saliva, bites, or inhalation of dust contaminated with these materials. For hantavirus, the most critical transmission route is inhaling airborne particles from dried infected rodent waste. Rodents may also contaminate food storage areas, kitchen surfaces, and living spaces, increasing the risk of various infections. Bites are also important because they may cause bacterial infection. Therefore, in areas with rodent activity, food should be stored in sealed containers, entry points should be closed, trapping and professional control may be needed, and protective equipment should be used during cleaning.