Severely affected individuals may need injectable medications and extensive supportive care. In addition, secondary infections with other oraginsms is common, sometimes requiring the use of multiple medications. The goal of therapy is to reduce the severity of symptoms, but complete elimination of the infective bacteria is practically impossible. The disease is highly contagious. The bacteria is spread by direct contact with affected individuals or from an affected mother to her unborn young while still in the womb.
Transmission usually occurs through respiratory aerosol and sexual activity.
Other mice and rats can also serve as carriers. It is extremely important to restrict contact between mice and rats of unknown health status until a quarantine period has elapsed. A quarantine period of four to six weeks is recommended. Any animal exhibiting even the slightest signs of respiratory illness should remain isolated. The Sendai virus causes one of the most significant and severe respiratory infections of laboratory rodents.