Scabies and worms: Diseases your pet can give you
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Did you know that even your lovable household pets can infect you?
If you're a pet lover, it's essential to be a responsible pet owner because there are several diseases that pass from animals to humans, which can cause both minor and major life-changing illnesses.
Zoonosis or zoonotic diseases is a type of disease that passes from an insect or animal to a human that may harm the animal and a human being. These diseases can be caused by either a virus, bacteria, a fungus, or a parasite. They can be transmitted in various ways, either through the air, close contact, and even touching an infected area.
“Sa pag-aalaga ng pets mayroon tayong tinatawag na zoonotic infection which means pwede kang magkaroon ng iba't ibang skin diseases o kaya naman mga gastro-enteritis infection dahil sa pag-aalaga ng pets dahil ito ay nata-transfer ng pets to their pet owner,” explains Dr. Zharlan Gulmatico-Flores of the Philippine Dermatological Society.
In an episode of Pinoy MD, Connie Sison discusses two common types of Zoonotic diseases: scabies and worms, which harm most humans.
Scabies
Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by tiny mites that burrow into your skin and cause itching and discomfort and can cause rashes, redness, and blisters on the skin.
According to veterinarian Dr. Edgardo Unson, “Sobrang makati minsan sa ulo, dito sa leeg, sa kili-kili.
“Kailangan i-check lagi 'yung pets n'yo kasi 'pag may nakita 'yung doktor sa balat tulad ng scabies, warning kaagad 'yun sa owner na nakakahawa 'yan and highly contagious sa household.”
Dr. Gulmatico-Flores adds, “Ito ay magsasanhi ng sleepless nights dahil lagi silang mangangati. At the same time, magkakaroon sila ng rashes sa skin sa kanilang underarm, sa arms nila.”
Cutaneous Larva Migrans
Another common zoonotic disease is cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), a skin condition caused by a parasite associated with animals such as cats and dogs.
Dr. Gulmatico-Flores explains that the infection can happen when the skin comes in contact with the larvae, typically in contaminated soil or sand.
“Usually nakukuha ito pag di mo napapa-deworm properly ang inyong pets,” she says.
“'Pag sila ay dumumi tapos na-contaminate 'yung soil and you used your bare hands or 'di ka gumamit ng gloves habang nagtatanim ka, then na-expose 'yung kamay mo sa contamination with the feces of the infected pets.
“Magkakaroon ka kaagad ng snake-like o ahas na itsura na blister.”
Prevention from common Zoonotic diseases
Zoonotic diseases are common everywhere in the world, so the only way to reduce the number of illness caused by animals is through creating safety regulations which include the following:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Have your pets vaccinated regularly
- Take them for annual visits at the veterinarian
- Keep any areas where animals are kept clean and sanitary
- Give your pets regular baths
Take Dr. Unson's advice: “Hindi lang pang-COVID ang paghugas ng kamay. If you have any animal, it's always good to have good hygiene.”
Many zoonotic diseases are treatable, so it's important for you to check with your doctor or medical professional as soon as you think you have contracted a disease. It's also an important reason to practice prevention around any animal, whether wild or domestic.
For more tips, watch this video from Pinoy MD.
