Beware of Various Infectious Diseases from Pets

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Beware of Various Infectious Diseases from Pets
Beware of Various Infectious Diseases from Pets
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Pets are proven to provide many benefits for their owners. However, you still need to be vigilant because there are infectious diseases from pets that can stalk you and your family. By recognizing the type of disease, you can take preventive steps

Various studies have revealed that owning a pet can provide a variety of benefits for physical and mental he alth. However, on the other hand, there are also risks that can be caused, one of which is the transmission of infectious diseases from pets.

Beware of Various Infectious Diseases from Pets - Alodokter
Beware of Various Infectious Diseases from Pets - Alodokter

Various Types of Infectious Diseases from Pets

There are several infectious diseases from pets that can be transmitted to humans and it is important for you to know, including:

1. Ringworm

A person can get ringworm just by touching a pet that is infected with the fungus that causes ringworm, namely the Dermatophytosis fungus. This condition is usually characterized by a circular skin rash that is dry and scaly and feels itchy.

Ringworm can be prevented by maintaining cleanliness and doing self-care. Always washing hands after playing with pets and cleaning areas of the house that are frequented by pets are ways to avoid ringworm.

Also, if your pet is scratching a lot, has severe hair loss, or has redness on his skin, you should have him checked by a veterinarian. This condition could be caused by ringworm.

2. Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from pets to humans. This disease is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is often asymptomatic, so sufferers are often unaware that they are infected.

Even so, some people can also experience flu-like symptoms when infected with toxoplasmosis. This disease becomes dangerous when experienced by pregnant women, because it can infect the fetus and cause miscarriage or birth defects.

The Toxoplasma gondii parasite is usually found in the feces of infected cats. Therefore, you need to clean the animal waste collection containers and animal cages regularly, then wash your hands immediately afterward.

For pregnant women or people with weak immune systems, it is recommended not to clean animal feces and cages.

3. Rabies

Rabies is an infectious disease caused by a virus. This disease is spread through the bites of dogs, cats, cows, goats, horses, civets, or monkeys, which are infected with the virus that causes rabies.

The initial symptoms of rabies in humans are similar to those of a mild flu. However, people who have recently been bitten by any animal suspected of being infected with rabies should seek immediate medical attention.

Rabies virus can infect the central nervous system. If it is too late to get medical help, this virus can cause disorders in the brain that can lead to death.

4. Bartonella henselae bacterial infection

Some people think that wounds from cat bites and scratches can heal on their own. In fact, if not cleaned and treated, these wounds can trigger bacterial infections, such as Bartonella henselae bacteria.

Cats carry the bacteria Bartonella henselae which can be transmitted through scratches or bites on human skin. A person infected with this bacteria will show signs such as sores that are swollen and festering, fever, headache, and loss of appetite.

Not only Bartonella henselae bacteria, other bacteria can also infect wounds through animal bites or scratches. Therefore, immediately wash the wound area with soap and running water to prevent infection.

Besides the four diseases mentioned above, there are also other infectious diseases from pets, namely leptospirosis, salmonellosis, or bubonic plague.

Those are various infectious diseases from pets that you should be aware of. Keeping yourself, animals and the environment clean is one way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases from pets to humans.

In addition, it is also recommended to regularly check the he alth of pets and fulfill special animal vaccinations to maintain the he alth of your beloved pets.

If you experience complaints that are suspected to be symptoms of an infectious disease from pets, don't hesitate to immediately consult a doctor to undergo an examination and get the right treatment.

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