Really concerned about LCMV!

[Pink Jumper]

Hi all

I have recently found out I'm pregnant and now I'm really concerned about the LCMV infection. Does anybody know anything about this?

Is it common?

I know it can be picked up by pet rodents from infected wild rodents such as mice and then be passed onto humans. How easily is it passed onto other pet rodents like hamsters and guinea pigs? I have heard that it is more likely that hamsters will pick up the disease rather than guinea pigs. Does anyone know if this is true?

I'm really stressing about this as I cannot stand the thought of having to give up my guinea pigs...but I know this infection can cause some pretty serious damage to a foetus!

 

[piggyme234]

I'm not an expert but i think this has come up before and I know plenty of people off the forum that have had babies so don't worry Just maintain regular hygiene like hand washing and tidying the g pigs area to prevent mice coming to visit.

 

[Dusty_bugs]

Congratulations on your pregnancy firstly! I wouldnt worry about the prevalence of the transmission rate too greatly. People have been having babies left right and centre and I hadn't even heard of LCMV until a few weeks ago - though naturally you will want to be as responsable as is humanly possible. I do not think that removing the guineapigs from your life will be necessary but have a chat with your local doctor or NHS walk in about the locations and trends that cases have been reported. maybe you can provide a salival/urine sample to your vet who may be able to test for it, though this may be costly. Be sure that if you do choose to take preventative measures you do not become too stressed and paranoid as it is easy to develop anxiety issues, thats no good for you or baby either!

As for preventative measures using latex or nitrile hand gloves when cleaning the cage or handling might help prevent you passing particles deep in your skin to your mouth, nose and eyes. Also, securing face masks (like the ones they use in Japan) will help prevent you inhaling particles as you touch your face or lean over them. But try not to become obsessive or you won't enjoy parenthood! If you have a partner or family who don't mind maybe your pigs could stay with them until the baby is better developed / born.

Good luck, and remember to take it easy!

 

[twiams]

As far as things like this are concerned, if your using proper hygiene around your pigs you shouldn’t really be worried.

Pets can become infected if they are exposed to wild house mice, BUT such infections are rare. It would be the same risk of you coming into contact with the wild mice i assume.

The National Center for Infectious Disease suggests the following precautions to reduce the risk of LCMV infection:

Wash hands with soap and water after handling pet rodents; use waterless alcohol-based hand rubs when soap is not available.
Keep rodent cages clean and free of soiled bedding.
Clean the cage in a well-ventilated area or outside.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning up pet droppings. Closely supervise young children, especially those less than five years old, when cleaning cages, and make sure they wash their hands immediately after handling rodents and rodent caging or bedding.
Do not kiss pet rodents or hold them close to your face.

But again there are so many things that people should be wary of. Even with cats, and yet people still work with cats and rodents when they’re pregnant and are fine. It’s just making sure you are safe and hygienic. It’s nothing you should have to give up your animals over

 

[Pink Jumper]

Thank you so much everyone for your advice. I feel better

So I guess this is the beginning of the worry and stress people experience when it comes to their children...people have warned me about this haha xx

 

[gizzy]

Hi their O WoW That's a blast from the past

I haven't heard of that one in a long time ! LCMV, is more to be expected in animals like rats and even then it is not common, if your piggies were to get it, as you say they would be to being contact with other of animals,

and apparently it needs very close proximity to pass it on, Personally I have only ever heard of it being present in house mice

And in over 40 years I have never ever heard of this condition affecting a Guinea pig

But if you want to put your mind at ease

Simple precautions like washing your hands and after handling them ect

 

[Pink Jumper]

Thank you