WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON DISEASES TRANSMITTED BY PETS

Of all the sources of information I review to illustrate and comment on the blog, one of the mandatory review is the Dr. Santi that from his blog, Reflections of a tanned pediatrician, becomes a reference for all parents with young children because of the ease with which they explain what happens in their consultation. And is that Dr. Santi sifts his extensive experience of years and explains it beautifully on his website that keeps growing and gaining followers.

In one of his most recent articles he has explained what are the diseases that pets can carry at home and how they can affect the little ones that live with them. For Dr. Santi, pets have many benefits at home and also in consultations, for example, long ago he explained that years ago there were doctors who had pets in the office to reassure and entertain children while they counted their ailments. And since pets can transmit infections, the article they have referenced and that summarizes many of the most important diseases has seemed full of interest. And is that pets are carriers of some bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that can cause diseases in humans who infect. Dr. Santi indicates that the majority are infrequent in Spain but not for that reason, extreme precautions must be taken. Then the document indicated by the Doctor:

The distemper, canine parvovirus and filariasis (heartworm disease) cannot be transmitted to humans.
Infection by Campylobacter. Intestinal infection by the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter infections are contagious, especially among members of the same family and among children who go to daycare or nursery school. This infection is treated with antibiotics.
Disease cat scratch. It can occur when a person receives the bite or scratch of a cat previously infected with the Bartonella henselae bacteria. Symptoms include: inflammation and discomfort in lymph nodes, fever, headache and fatigue. It is a disease that usually remits without any treatment.
The Rage. This serious disease is caused by a virus that enters the body through a bite or wound contaminated by the saliva of an infected animal. Animals that may carry rabies virus include dogs, cats, raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes.
Infections due to Tick-borne Rickettsias. Its symptoms include: high fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches, as well as a rash that extends over wrists, ankles, palms, soles of the feet and trunk. They can be treated with antibiotics.
The tub It is a skin infection caused by various types of fungi present in the earth and on the skin of humans and pets. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication, in the form of shampoo, cream or orally administered medication.
The toxocariasis, caused by the parasitic earthworm Toxocara, which lives in the intestines of dogs and cats. If the eggs of these worms, which are eliminated by the feces of dogs and cats are ingested and cause an infection called visceral larva migrans.
The toxoplasmosis. This disease is contracted after coming into contact with a parasite present in the feces of cats. In most healthy people, toxoplasmosis infection is asymptomatic. In pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can cause abortions and premature births, as well as blindness and serious illness in the newborn.
Infections dog and cat bites they can be infected so they need to be washed requiring stitches and antibiotic treatment.
Birds that live at home as pets can transmit the following diseases even if they live in cages: cryptococcosis. It is a disease triggered by a fungus that is contracted when a person inhales organisms present in the droppings of birds (especially those of pigeons). The psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, it is a disease of bacterial origin that can be contracted when coming into contact with bird feces. The salmonellosis It can be contracted by touching reptiles or amphibians or other contaminated surfaces and produces gastrointestinal symptoms
Handling and caring for rodents, such as hamsters and gerbils, or fish can expose children to the risk of contracting lymphocytic choriomeningitis by inhaling particles from the urine, feces or saliva of infected rodents, such as mice and hamsters. This infection is manifested by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting and can even trigger meningitis (inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord) and a encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Like most viruses, there is no specific treatment, but some of the patients may need to be hospitalized. As with toxoplasmosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis can be transmitted by an infected mother to her fetus.
Infection by Mycobacterium marinum. This infection can be contracted by people exposed to contaminated waters in aquariums or swimming pools. Although it is usually a mild infection that affects only the skin, it can be more serious in those affected by an HIV infection or who have a weakened immune system.