Etiology:  Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) is an enveloped arenavirus (RNA virus).

Transmission:  Transmission to humans occurs by direct contact with infected animals.  The virus is continually shed by mice in urine, saliva and milk.

Public Health Significance:  The centers for disease control (CDC) reports human LCMV infections [1, 2].

Please see the mouse Parasitic Diseases section for more detailed information.

1.            Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus From Pet Rodents. National Center For Infectious Disease Healthy Pets Healthy People 2012 July 28, 2010 [cited 2012 June 14, 2012]; Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/lcmv/owners.htm.

2.            Barton, L.L., M.B. Mets, and C.L. Beauchamp, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus: emerging fetal teratogen. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2002. 187(6): p. 1715-6.