Albuquerque school mice problem prompts health concerns

Key Points:

• James Monroe Middle School in Albuquerque is experiencing a severe mice infestation, with reports of droppings, urine, and dead rodents found throughout the campus, raising health and safety concerns among staff and parents.
• Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) received the first official work order on September 24 and have had technicians on-site daily, though staff and union representatives say a grievance was filed earlier on September 16 and initially went unaddressed.
• Staff members report damage to personal and student belongings caused by mice, and some illnesses potentially linked to the infestation have been reported to APS’s medical provider.
• Health experts warn that mice infestations can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and diseases such as hantavirus, meningitis, and exacerbated asthma and allergies.
• APS states conditions have improved since intervention began and commits to ongoing monitoring and resource deployment, while the Albuquerque Teachers Federation continues to work with the district to resolve the grievance.