One of the best-known diseases associated with mouse droppings is hantavirus infection. When the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents dries, contaminated particles can become airborne as dust. People may become infected by inhaling this contaminated dust. Rodents may also contribute to the spread of diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and certain parasitic infections. Areas with mouse droppings should not be dry-swept or vacuumed. The area should first be ventilated, then moistened with an appropriate disinfectant and cleaned using gloves and a mask.