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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Pregnant women who come in contact with rodents run the risk of becoming infected with a virus that causes severe brain damage to unborn children.
Doctors at the University of Iowa are recommending expectant mothers make sure their homes are winterized because rodents tend to take shelter in homes during the colder months. Sealing up cracks and crevices to keep wild mice and rats out of the house can cut down on the risk of exposure to the harmful virus.
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Rodents can carry lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). The virus can cause mild flu-like symptoms in healthy people. However, when a fetus is exposed, conditions like congenital hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis (affecting vision), and mental retardation can result. The virus disrupts cell division in the developing fetal brain. It also causes inflammation, which can destroy brain tissue.
Exposure to fresh rodent urine or droppings is one of the most common ways to be exposed to the virus. Tips to avoid infection include:
Non-pregnant people should be given the task of removing any wild mice, rodent droppings or urine found in the house
Areas exposed to an unwelcome rodent should be disinfected with bleach
"Cases of babies born with congenital LCMV are rare," reports Daniel Bonthius, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa. "However, because the virus can severly affect the developing fetus, it's important for pregnant women to take precautions."
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: University of Iowa press release, Dec. 15, 2006
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