Is Pet rodents and mice safe during pregnancy?
Avoid handling pet rodents and cleaning droppings while pregnant; have someone else care for them and call a pro for wild mice.
What the sources say
CDC says pregnant women should not handle pet rodents, when possible, because of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). MotherToBaby: LCMV can pass to the fetus; first-trimester infection is linked to miscarriage and later infection to brain and eye problems. Have someone else care for pet rodents, wash hands after any contact, don't sweep or vacuum droppings or nesting material, and use professional pest control for wild mice. There's no evidence LCMV passes through breast milk; wash hands before holding the baby.
Also listed as
gerbil, guinea pig, hamster, house mice, lcmv, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, mice in house, mouse droppings, pet mice, pet mouse, pet rat, pet rodents
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.