Danger of Diseases from Cats
 |
| Illustration of the Danger of Diseases from Cats |
Danger of Diseases from Cats. Despite being a popular pet, cats can transmit diseases to humans! Find out about the following dangerous cat diseases!
Cat bites can cause serious diseases such as joint mobility and nerve involvement. In addition, some of the conditions listed below are dangerous diseases that can be transmitted from cats.
1. Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by parasites that live in the cat's body. This condition can occur when you are not careful when cleaning cat litter. This is due to the fact that these parasites can enter the body and become a source of infection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60 million people in the United States are infected with the parasite. Most people who suffer from toxoplasmosis do not have any symptoms.
Although there are no symptoms, this parasitic infection will be very dangerous for the fetus and pregnant women. Examples of symptoms that an infected person may experience include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Neck
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
These symptoms can last up to a month and usually go away on their own. However, in people with low immunity, it can lead to more serious complications, such as inflammation of the brain, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
2. Cat scratch fever
This disease is caused by cats infected with the bacterium Bartonella Henselae. You can become infected with this disease from the bite or scratch of an infected cat. Symptoms are swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, fever to weight loss.
Bumps or blisters can form on the skin at the site of infection within 3 to 10 days of exposure. Meanwhile, swollen lymph nodes usually occur between 1 and 3 weeks.
3. Rabies
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a cat infected with the virus. The virus will travel through the bite site along the nerves to the brain.
The incubation period can last from weeks to months. As the virus progresses, hallucinations, anxiety, and fear of water can occur.
If clinical signs appear, the disease can be fatal. Take precautions when vaccinating your pet against rabies.
4. Mushrooms
Fungal diseases in cats can be transmitted to humans. The fungus appears in a humid and warm place. Transmission occurs through direct contact between infected and uninfected people.
Adults are usually more resistant to these fungal infections, unless there are open wounds. However, children with lower immunity are susceptible to fungal infections.
If you notice any suspicious skin lesions, contact your doctor immediately. A doctor can make a diagnosis and most likely prescribe a topical cream or antifungal.
5. Ticks
Fleas from cats can be transmitted to humans. Sarcoptes scabiei ticks are common in pets and are transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals.
Flea infections can cause severe itching and irritation due to symptoms of hypersensitivity. The disease can last for a long time if people with low immunity experience it.
6. Tapeworm disease
Cats can become infected with tapeworms, which are infested with fleas. This disease from cats can then be transmitted to humans. Children can become infected with tapeworms by ingesting mites that are infected with tapeworm larvae. Generally, tapeworm infections do not cause symptoms.
However, some symptoms may appear, such as nausea, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, and impaired nutrient absorption. For reference, most tapeworm infections in humans occur from eating contaminated meat.
7. Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis can be transmitted from cats to humans, the disease is caused by salmonella bacteria. Cats can carry these bacteria in their digestive tract and spread them through their feces.
Symptoms of this disease in humans include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, which usually appear 6 to 6 days after infection and can last up to a week.
Side article: Should autoimmune patients not have pets? Here are the facts!
To avoid some of the dangers of diseases from cats, you can do the following:
- Wash your hands immediately after contact with cat feces.
- Avoid eating undercooked meat. This is due to the fact that the Toxoplasma parasite can live in it.
- Do not allow children to come into direct contact with cat feces.
- Pregnant females should not come into contact with cat feces at all.
You may have heard of the TORCH (Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Virus) tests for pregnant women. This test aims to avoid the danger of infection that can be transmitted to the fetus.
The toxoplasma test is also checked in the TORCH test. So, if you are a cat lover, make sure you always practice hygiene while keeping your beloved cat.
So ESMEDIA friends, that's what the article was about: Danger of Diseases from Cats
