LCM is a virus carried by wild house mice. Rodents kept as pets (guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils) are not normal carries of this virus; however, they can contract it if they come into contact with wild mice.
Guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils are most likely to come into contact with a wild mouse at a breeding facility or at a pet store - just *another* reason NOT to purchase a pet from a pet store or breeder.
The virus causes flu-like symptoms in normal, healthy adults. Occasionally meningitis can develop about a week after symptoms first develop. People who are immunosuppressed - people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, undergoing chemotherapy/radiation, people with autoimmune disorders, people taking anti-rejection drugs - are more likely to have severe, fatal courses of the disease.
Pregnant women are also more susceptible to the disease, as are unborn babies.
Your greatest risk for contracting the illness occurs during the initial period after purchasing your pet from a pet store/breeder. If you have had your pet rodent for a while - probably about 3 weeks - without having any symptoms your pet is most likely not infected.
Individual testing of rodents and human beings is unreliable. Always wash your hands after handling your pets - wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and anti-microbial soap. If you are immunosuppressed or pregnant, have someone else clean your rodent cages to avoid possible exposure.
I used to work at a children's hospital with many children who had liver and lung transplants. There was great concern for awhile due to the fact that I own so many rodents and was working with susceptible children. But none of my animals have ever shown any symtoms and neither have I, and I'm always extremely careful with handwashing.
It's VERY important to wash your hands after handling your pets ... after going to the bathroom ... after handling uncooked food ... after almost anything.
Wash, wash, wash your hands. 20 seconds, with hot water and anti-microbial soap.
The CDC is working with pet stores and breeders to try to eliminate LCM from the pet population sold to the public. If you want to be very sure you do not end up with a pet that has LCM, adopt one from a shelter, rather than purchasing it from a pet store or breeder.
