CSB #4: Diseased Mice Population Increases in West

Aspens Bust, Diseased Mice Boom

Definitions

• pathogen: a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease
• sin nombre virus: a virus that infects the walls of the capillaries (tiny blood vessels in the lungs), making them leak and flooding the lungs with fluid

Summary

An aspen tree killing syndrome called sudden aspen decline that has wiped out swaths of trees across the West. This had an effect throughout the ecosystem, and the creatures living around the trees. Deer mice are now three times likely to carry the sin nombre virus, which is fatal to humans. Normally, the deer mouse looks cute in person, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks it as the main rodent reservoir for the sin nombre virus. The infected mice do not show many apparent symptoms, but people that come in contact with the mouse urine or saliva can succumb to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This fatal syndrome starts with muscle aches, chills, fever and stomach upset. Later on, fluid fills the lungs, causing more than a third of the victims to die. Scientist Erin Lehmer of Fort Lewis College speculated that infection might have risen among the deer mice due to their growing dominance in the now barren landscape. More deer mice were able to encounter each other and spread the sin nombre virus through bites.

Discussion

I think that this article is interesting and important for everyone in the west. Unfortunately, I live in the west so this could happen to me any day. Although the deer mice look harmless, people need to be aware of the fatality of the virus they carry. Some people can have their lives severely impacted due to direct contact with these rodents. Scientists have done a great job discovering the reason for the sin nombre virus spread, but it is still unknown why the aspen trees are contracting the syndrome that wipes them out. Also, I think the scientific and health community should do whatever possible to increase awareness of this problem to the west. Another thing that makes these mice deadly is the fact that they can adapt to a variety of habitats. If needed, I think scientists should place more predators that eat the deer mice so that they do not get to humans. Families should do whatever they can to close all possible entrances for mice in their homes. 

Questions

Eventually, will it be necessary to provoke the extinction of all deer mice in order to protect humans?

How long will it be until there is a developed vaccine for this virus?

Citations

Milius, Susan. "Aspens bust, diseased mice boom." www.sciencenews.org. N.p.,
     n.d. Web. 9 Jan. 2011. <http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/68478/
     description/Aspens_bust,_diseased_mice_boom>.