Sick

Question
Natasha,
I have been feeling sick for the past few days. Could it be because of the mouse? My neck is really feeling swollen, hard to swallow. Been coughing a bit. I wasn't sick previousily. I am really scared and concerned. Please get back to me. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Kate,

You probably need to go to the doctor.  It is almost certain that you are sick with a perfectly normal, if lousy, human illness.  It sounds like a bacterial infection, or possibly a flu : ((   

The chances of a baby mouse having any sort of zoonotic (transmissive to humans) disease are infinitely small.  However, it is not impossible.  If you live in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, California, or neighboring states, in that area there is a zoonotic disease which is very very rare called hantavirus, which is carried by mice.  It is transmitted through their dried urine (and you have probably not been sniffing his dried urine).  It is a very serious illness but there are only a very few cases a year.  Here is a link to my research about the virus (not the first question; read further):

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2008/8/hantavirus-wild-mice.htm

As I calculated, it is far, far more likely that you would win the lottery, get hit by lightning, or drown in a bathtub, than get this illness.  However, if you go to a doctor, do mention that you have been handling a wild mouse.  

HOWEVER, it IS quite possible that you could give a flu to the mouse!!  Please be careful about washing your hands before you touch him, and try not to breathe on him.  He would be unable to fight off an illness at this age.  Please be careful.

I do hope you feel better soon.
squeaks,

Natasha