|
In 58
million American households pets are a source of joy and perhaps even
the key to longer, healthier lives. However, pet-owning households with
young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems
need to be aware that their animals can play host to disease-causing
micro-organisms.
Don‘t
panic! Humans are not likely to catch a disease through their pets, but
in very rare cases it can happen. Fortunately, most of these diseases
rarely occur in healthy individuals, are mild and can be easily treated.
Others, like toxoplasmosis, can be far more serious.
Diseases
transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases.
Zoonotic diseases usually live out their complex life cycles in animals,
but sometimes cross into human bodies. Usually contracting a pet-borne
disease requires very close contact with animals or their excretions, so
zoonotic diseases can be avoided with common sense, cleanliness and
regular pet examinations and vaccinations.
Children
often put their hands in their mouths, providing an easy route for
bacteria to travel into their bodies. For example, children who eat dirt
are more susceptible to contracting zoonotic diseases. Children also are
more susceptible to pet-borne illness because they carry fewer
antibodies than adults do. The same holds true for puppies and kittens,
making them more likely to carry disease than older dogs and cats.
Although
the chances of getting a zoonotic disease from your pet are slim, these
are some common pet-borne illnesses that can make people sick:
Salmonellosis—This
bacteria generally makes its way into human bodies through contaminated
food. The bacteria can be passed through animal feces and may cause
symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea and exhaustion.
Roundworms—Roundworm
eggs and microscopic adult worms can be excreted in the feces of dogs
and cats infected by the worms. Children may be at a higher risk for
contracting roundworms because they play near pets or touch infected
feces and put their hands into their mouths. Because of the risk to
children, all cats and dogs should be taken to their veterinarians for
regular fecal examinations. Also remember to cover all sandboxes when
not in use to prevent children from contacting contaminated feces.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, loss of appetite, weakness and lung
congestion.
Cat
Scratch Fever—This
bacteria is usually transmitted from cats to humans through scratches.
The bacteria is found on nails or claws and can cause high fever, loss
of appetite, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. In otherwise healthy
people, Cat Scratch Fever is usually mild and resolves itself. However,
the bacteria caused by Cat Scratch Fever can be extremely dangerous or
even fatal if left untreated in immune-compromised individuals. It’s
important for these pet owners to tell their doctors they own a cat.
Young children should be sure to wash scratches thoroughly with soap and
water.
Strep
Throat—Though
your pet is probably not the culprit bringing strep into your household
each year, the possibility does exist. Recently, researchers have found
that it’s more likely that people are infecting their pets. In any
case, keep your children from kissing, licking or exchanging food by
mouth with their pets.
Ringworm—A
fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails, ringworm starts as a
rapidly spreading hairless, circular lesion. Humans can be infected
through use of contami-nated objects like hair brushes, towels or
clothing or by contact with infected animals like cats, dogs, mice, rats
and guinea pigs.
Scabies—Also
called sarcoptic mange, scabies is a skin disease caused by itch mites
which burrow under the skin. Scabies cause intense itching and
scratching that can result in severe eczema. Humans can be infected
through contact with infected animals.
The most
effective way to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure your good health
is to ensure good health for your pets. This means taking your pet to
the veterinarian for regular exams and vaccinations. Most pet owners
find that proper nutrition and health for their pets will lead to happy,
healthy lives with little risk of zoonotic infections. |
