Concerns About Rodent-Borne Diseases and Food Safety in Military Settings

Regarding the issue of rodent-borne diseases?

Hello, doctor.
The issue I'm facing is due to my current military service.
Some food in my bag has been chewed by a mouse, and I have disposed of the chewed food and any food that the mouse may have crawled over (the food consists of packaged snacks and shelf-stable milk).
However, I'm unsure whether to throw away the shelf-stable milk, so I still have it.
I would like to ask if there is a concern about diseases like plague due to the movement of food between the military camp and home, as well as the part of the bag that was chewed.
Should I disinfect the bag and the area under my bed, or is a simple cleaning sufficient? Thank you, doctor.

Qiu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/01

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello, diseases caused by rodents can be categorized into two pathways of transmission: direct and indirect.

1.
Direct transmission by rodents:
(a) Transmission through direct contact with rodent feces or urine.
(b) Transmission through bites from field mice.
2.
Indirect diseases caused by rodents:
(a) Transmission via fleas, mites, or ticks that infest rodents.
(b) Transmission through indirect contact with rodents.
It is advised not to consume food that has come into contact with rodents, and any items or environments that have been exposed should be thoroughly disinfected.
The following is an excerpt from information provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for reference:
"The 'Three No Policy' for rodent control states: 'Do not let rodents come, do not let rodents stay, do not let rodents eat.' Maintaining good environmental hygiene and rodent control is the best way to prevent hantavirus infection.
The public should regularly tidy up their surroundings, especially in areas like warehouses and storage rooms where rodents are likely to hide.
If you encounter rodent feces or urine that needs to be cleaned, first spray it with bleach or alcohol, and after allowing it to disinfect for 30 minutes, proceed with cleaning for safety.
If the public has any related questions, they can contact their local health bureau or call the national free epidemic prevention hotline at 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries."

Reply Date: 2019/12/01

More Info

When it comes to concerns about rodent-borne diseases and food safety, especially in military settings, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and necessary precautions. Rodents, such as mice and rats, are known carriers of various diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella, which can be transmitted through direct contact or contamination of food and surfaces.

Given your situation, where food items in your bag were chewed by rodents, it is wise to take immediate action. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Food Safety: Any food that has been compromised by rodent activity should be discarded. This includes packaged snacks and long-lasting milk products if they have been chewed or have come into contact with rodent droppings or urine. Even if the packaging appears intact, if there are signs of rodent activity, it is safer to err on the side of caution and throw the food away. Consuming contaminated food can lead to foodborne illnesses.

2. Disinfection and Cleaning: It is essential to clean and disinfect any areas where rodents may have been active. This includes your bag, the surfaces it has touched, and any areas in your living quarters that may have been contaminated. Use a disinfectant that is effective against bacteria and viruses. For hard surfaces, a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be effective. Ensure that you wear gloves and a mask while cleaning to avoid inhaling any particles.

3. Preventive Measures: To prevent future rodent infestations, ensure that food is stored in sealed containers and that living areas are kept clean and free of food debris. Regularly inspect your living quarters for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks, and report any issues to your commanding officer or facilities management.

4. Health Monitoring: If you notice any symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal issues after potential exposure to rodent-contaminated food or environments, seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can be crucial in managing any potential infections.

5. Military Protocols: Since you are in a military setting, it is advisable to follow any specific protocols regarding pest control and food safety that your unit may have in place. This may include reporting the incident to your superiors and ensuring that proper pest control measures are implemented.

In summary, discard any food that has been compromised by rodent activity, thoroughly clean and disinfect affected areas, and take preventive measures to avoid future infestations. If you have any health concerns following this incident, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and safety are paramount, especially in a military environment where food safety can impact overall readiness and well-being.

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