What Infections Can Humans Get From Pets?

When it comes to infections, you may get them from your pet dog and cat. The first name that comes to mind is that of the campylobacter infection. In humans, such a condition can lead to diarrhea, fever, and belly pain.

Diseases You Can Get From Pets

Cat scratch disease:

This is a bacterial infection, and its symptoms are tender and swollen lymph nodes. You may also get a fever and experience tiredness and headaches.

Rabies:

This is something that needs no introduction, and it does not have any cure. However, these days, it has become rare. Thanks to the growing level at which cats and dogs get immunized.

Tick-borne diseases:

 Dogs could suffer from diseases carried by ticks when they attach themselves to them. It mostly happens outdoors. So, you must use tick-prevention products on your pets. Could you remove and dispose of them as soon as possible?

Ringworm:

Kids can get such an infection if they come in contact with a cat or dog infected by the same. It can lead to dry and scaly round areas on their bodies with a clear center and a raised, red & bumpy border.

Toxocariasis:

It is a condition whereby parasitic roundworms lay eggs in the intestines of cats and dogs. It can pass from their poop to the soil where kids are playing. So, if a child is infected, they may have symptoms such as fever, rash, wheezing or coughing, swollen lymph nodes, and enlarged liver.

Toxoplasmosis:

This is an infection common among cats, spread by a parasite found in cat poop. If you are healthy, it will not cause any symptoms in you. However, if you are a pregnant woman, it can lead to some severe consequences.

The same also applies to the child that you are carrying. Hence, people with weak immune systems and pregnant ladies get advised to avoid cleaning the litter boxes.

Read Also: Bacterial Infection In Dogs | Dog Health

Infections that may happen from birds

If you have pet birds, there are a few conditions you should be wary of. It is applicable even when they are in a cage.

Cryptococcosis:

 This yeast is found in bird droppings and especially happens in pigeons. It can lead to meningitis and pneumonia in people. People with weak immune systems are at risk, especially those suffering from HIV-AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Psittacosis:

This is a kind of bacteria that tends to infect pet birds. If you come in contact with the poop of such a bird or the dust accumulated in its cage, you can develop this ailment. This condition is also known as parrot fever. The symptoms are coughing headache, and high fever.

If you have poultry in your backyard, you should be careful as birds such as ducks and chickens carry dangerous germs, such as Salmonella.

Never allow people with weak immune systems and young children to come in contact with live poultry, such as backyard chickens.   

Infections that may happen from amphibians and reptilians 

If you have kids younger than five at home, you must never get any amphibians or reptiles such as frogs, salamanders, toads or lizards, turtles, or snakes as a pet. This is because of a condition known as salmonellosis.

Such infection can lead to symptoms like belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In the case of young children, the symptoms could include the likes of dehydration, sepsis or blood infection, and meningitis.

Infections that may happen from other animals 

If you care for and handle animals such as fish and rodents, you need to be careful of the following: 

LCMV:

LCMV stands for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. You can get this if you ever contact infected rodents, pee, spit, or poop.

Usually, pet mice, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs do not carry the same. However, they can get infected by contacting wild mice at the breeder’s home or pet store.

Such infection can lead to symptoms that are similar to flu, such as the following:

• fever
• tiredness
• headaches
• muscle aches
• nausea
• vomiting

It could lead to encephalitis and meningitis as well. If you are a pregnant lady, it can spell serious consequences for both you and your baby.

Read Also: How To Keep Your Pet Dog Healthy During Monsoon

Mycobacterium marinum:

This infection is common among people with broken skin. It happens when their skin gets in touch with the contaminated water of a pool or an aquarium.

These are usually mild infections and tend to be limited to the skin. However, this can be rather serious in people with weak immune systems – especially those suffering from HIV-AIDS.

Conclusion 

If you want to make sure you are caring safely for your pet, there are a few steps you need to take. First, when you choose a pet, talk to a veterinarian to get vaccinations and get them checked. Schedule checkups for them regularly.

Please get them vaccinated as the doctor recommended. It will ensure your baby is healthy and reduce the chances that it may spread any infection to your family.

Always make it a habit among your kids to wash their hands whenever they touch the pets, handle their food, or clean their cage, litter box, or tank.

If you are cleaning animal waste, always wear gloves. If you have a bird, wear dust masks on your mouth and nose while cleaning their poop or the cage.

Only let your kids clean the litter boxes and cages once they are old enough. Then, they must know how to do such work responsibly and safely.

If you visit zoos, friends’ houses with animals, or farms, ensure your kids wash their hands when they get home.