baby field mouse , should i be worried about diseases?

Question
hi there , i have read on previous answers of your that you have great knowledge on baby field mice. I just recently found a baby mouse in my house ,it was just lying on the floor it is the sixe of a shrimp , eyes are not open yet and neither of its ears are detached. I want to help it so bad and by doing the research on the internet i have come to find out that this is quite hard but im willing to give this little guy a chance, he deserves one. My only concern is that he is a wild field mouse , do these carry any type of diseases that i should be aware of , although i have not touched the mouse directly i haave touched his bedding , i knnow that may sound a bit wonky but i do want to keep myself safe . Would you happen to have an answer for this? or any way to tell if the little guy is healthy ( not carrying anything ), thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Brooke,

A big part of determining risk is going to be finding out what species he is.  Deer mice can pass on something called hantavirus, which is very dangerous, but has not been found in other species.  A vet can help you figure out what species he is and possibly even examine his poop for the disease, or send it to a lab.  Hantavirus is passed along by fecal matter, so it is important that you be careful around dirty bedding, and try not to breathe any of it in when doing cage changes.  Washing your hands thoroughly after touching him or his things will go a long way in protecting you from any diseases, including normal ones such as yucky bacteria some animals may pick up accidentally.  Good hygeine is key!

Hopefully he is still doing okay, or you have found someone to give you a hand.  If you need anything else, please let me know!

-Tam