Orphaned Deer mouse-disease (hantavirus)?

Question
Hi Natasha,

I found a nearly comatose baby deer mouse on my laundry room floor last night. After some research on line I estimate him to be about 10 days old. His eyes are open and he is very active now. I initially gave him some cow's milk just to get something into him as we don't have puppy formula on hand (i read that that is more suitable for them.) We just purchased the puppy formula this morning. He is doing well now, but the more research I do, the more I find that this species of mouse is a ready carrier for Hantavirus, a very deadly disease for humans. I don't want him to die, but I am nervous about having him in the house with my family. We have trapped several mice (probably his mother included,) which left him in this orphaned state due to very wet weather forcing mice to seek more shelter on our farm. I feel just sick about making a decision.

Answer
Dear Barbara,

The chances of a mouse pup having hantavirus are extremely slim, if even possible.  Let me just give you a link to the last time I answered this question:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2012/4/keep-wild-field-mouse.htm

Don't forget-- feeding every TWO hours around the clock, if you want him to survive! And then rub his tummy with the tip of your finger to stimulate him to eliminate. Usually people say with a Q tip, but it has been pointed out to me that if you use your finger, you will feel a difference that could indicate bloat, which is life-threatening.

Have fun with the little tyke!

squeaks,

Natasha