Is My Mother Experiencing Illness Due to Cleaning Rodent Droppings?
My mother, who is 59 years old, stands around 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 215 pounds, resides in a rather cluttered home that resembles a hoarder’s space. The dwelling is quite messy and is home to several dogs. Last year, they dealt with an infestation of rodents, which they managed to resolve. Recently, however, she discovered old droppings behind the refrigerator and cleaned them up last week. Shortly after, she began experiencing symptoms including shortness of breath, a persistent cough, shaking chills, and what she described as a fever—though she did not have a thermometer to verify this. While her condition improved over the following days, she has since started exhibiting the same symptoms again after she disposed of the waste-filled trash in the dumpster. My mother is on multiple medications, including hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, allopurinol, Mounjaro, and Plaquenil, which she takes for rheumatoid arthritis and her compromised immune system. She tends to fall ill quite frequently and is currently being evaluated for lupus by her rheumatologist due to these ongoing health issues. I've suggested that she visit urgent care, and she plans to go, but she seems to downplay the situation. Am I overreacting? Is it possible that her symptoms are a result of exposure to the droppings, or could it simply be coincidental? She previously had a severe case of COVID, which leaves me worried about her health. She uses a CPAP machine, and when she sleeps without it, her oxygen levels drop to around 74%. Aside from that, she does not experience other respiratory problems, although she does have asthma. I appreciate any guidance you can offer.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 11:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your mother’s symptoms following her exposure to rodent droppings raise important concerns, especially given her underlying health issues and the context of her living environment. It is possible that her shortness of breath, persistent cough, shaking chills, and fever-like symptoms could be related to exposure to the droppings, which can pose health risks, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems and respiratory issues like asthma.
Explanation
Rodent droppings can carry harmful pathogens and allergens that might lead to respiratory symptoms or other illnesses, such as hantavirus or leptospirosis, particularly if inhaled or if they come into contact with broken skin. Since your mother has a history of severe COVID and uses a CPAP machine for sleep, her respiratory health may be more sensitive than others.
While it’s understandable that she may feel her condition is not severe, her existing health status combined with her recent symptoms warrants careful attention. Her multiple medications and evaluations for lupus indicate she may already be dealing with significant health challenges.
Next Steps
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Immediate Care: Although it’s good that she plans to visit urgent care, it’s essential that the visit occurs as soon as possible, especially if her symptoms worsen. Monitor for any increase in shortness of breath, severe chills, confusion, high fever, or chest pain, which would indicate a need for urgent medical attention.
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Environmental Safety: Ensure her living space is cleaned safely to prevent any further exposure to droppings. Consider hiring professionals for thorough cleaning to avoid any health risks related to direct contact or inhalation during cleanup.
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Medication and Symptom Review: Compile a list of her medications and any recent changes in her health status to share with the healthcare provider. This way, they can assess any potential interactions or side effects that could contribute to her symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on her symptoms daily, noting any changes in severity or new symptoms. This information will be valuable for her healthcare provider.
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Support and Communication: Encourage your mother to communicate openly with her healthcare professionals about her symptoms. It may also help to emphasize the importance of her health to her so that she does not downplay concerns.
Your concern is valid, and being proactive about her health is crucial. Keeping track of her symptoms and addressing the environment will help ensure she stays as healthy as possible. Please ensure she takes these steps seriously and follows up promptly with medical professionals.
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