The Hidden Dangers and Effects of Keeping Pets on Human Health
As you know, many people around the world have a great interest in keeping pets. In 2012, over 62% of people in Western countries kept at least one pet at home. Therefore, it’s important for you to be aware of the dangers and know whata petcan do to your health. In this section of health and wellnessSelMagzwe will explain this matter.
Campylobacter
This bacterium is one of the most common causes ofdiarrheaand affects over 1.3 million people each year. This infection can causeabdominal painand fever, occurring when individuals are exposed to this bacterium for 2 to 5 days. It often happens when a person shares food with an infected animal or comes into contact with the animal’s contaminated feces.
Ascaris, hookworm, and tapeworm
Tapeworm is one of the most common diseases transmitted from dogs and cats, easily transferring to humans. It increases the risk of infection in the body, especially in younger individuals and children.
Hookworm parasites are also transmitted through animal feces and can enter the body via soil where the animals have lived, potentially causing skin problems.ParasiteAscaris is a disease transmitted through animal eggs found in feces.
Salmonella
This disease is transmitted through turtles, snakes, and lizards, affecting over 3% of people in large countries; the cause is keeping pets, which leads to germ transmission and contamination. If a person is exposed to Salmonella bacteria for 12 to 72 hours, they may experience symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can last from 4 to 7 days.
Rabies
This disease is one of the most common illnesses in humans, transmitted from dogs and cats. However, some other animals can also transmit this disease. Every year, 59,000 people worldwide die from this disease as it affects the central nervous system and occurs when an animal bites a person. Symptoms include fever,headacheand body weakness. More severe symptoms include paralysis, insomnia,stress,anxietyand swallowing difficulties.
Parrot Fever
This disease, contrary to its name, does not occur only from parrots. All birds can be affected by this disease and can transmit it to humans. It spreads from parrots,turkeysand ducks, and symptoms show a few days after exposure to the infection, causing fever,nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue,chest painandshortness of breaththat may also lead to inflammation of the brain, liver, and other internal organs.
Toxoplasmosis
This disease occurs due to a parasite and happens when you eat raw or undercooked meat. Every year, over 60 million people in large countries are affected. Toxoplasmosis can also spread through exposure to animal feces. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly with weak immune systems are at greater risk.
Cat Scratch Disease
Cat scratch disease is a common illness that can occur from exposure to animals due to the presence of a bacterium. Over 40% of cats carry this bacterium. Typically, cats under one year old are more likely to spread the disease, causing issues like swelling, pain, body soreness,headaches, fever,loss of appetiteand fatigue.
