Can You Get Sick from Your Pets? | Part II

Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by a tiny parasite that can be spread through cat feces or by eating raw or undercooked meat. Cats usually get the parasite by hunting and eating infected animals like rodents or birds. In the early stage, infected cats can shed millions of parasites in their poop.

Around 40 million people in the U.S. carry the parasite. While most carriers have no symptoms, some may experience flu-like signs such as muscle aches and swollen glands.In serious cases, it can affect the brain, eyes, or other organs. Screening for toxoplasmosis is usually done during pregnancy, since the infection can be especially dangerous to unborn babies.

Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection that spreads through bites or scratches from cats, especially playful kittens. It can also spread on fleas or if a cat licks an open wound.

Common symptoms include a small blister or bump at the site, mild fever, and swollen lymph nodes within a few weeks. Though rare, serious complications can affect the eyes, brain, liver, or heart. Stray or outdoor cats are more likely to carry the bacteria than indoor pets.

Roundworms and hookworms are parasites that can spread from dogs and cats. They live in animal poop and can get into soil or sand.

People can become infected by touching contaminated dirt, walking barefoot, or not washing hands after contact with animals. Roundworm eggs can be swallowed, while hookworms can burrow into the skin.

These infections are more common in children and people who play or work outside where animals go to the bathroom.These parasites can cause different symptoms. Roundworm infections may cause fever, coughing, belly pain, or in rare cases, problems with the liver, eyes, or brain. Some people may not feel sick at all. Hookworms often cause red, itchy lines on the skin and severe itching where the worm has entered the body.

Fish tank granuloma is a skin infection caused by bacteria that live in aquarium water. You can get it if you have a cut or scrape and touch the water while cleaning your fish tank. About 2 to 3 weeks later, a red or purple bump may appear on your hand, finger, or arm. This bump can grow, become painful, and sometimes turn into an open sore.

People who have pet fish and clean their tanks are more likely to get this infection. It usually stays on the skin, but if not treated, it can cause more serious problems like an infection in the tendons, joints, or bones.

Aeromonas infections are caused by bacteria commonly found in water, including fish tanks and reptile enclosures. These bacteria can infect people through open wounds or by handling contaminated water or surfaces. Although often associated with fish and aquatic environments, reptiles can also be a source, especially when their habitats are not cleaned properly.

Infections can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and skin or soft tissue infections. In more severe cases, Aeromonas can cause bloodstream infections (sepsis). Because these bacteria are resistant to some antibiotics, treatment may require specific medications guided by lab testing.

Psittacosis (Parrot Fever) ⁸

Psittacosis is caused by a bacteria which can infect many types of birds—not just parrots. Birds like cockatiels, parakeets, chickens, ducks, and turkeys can all carry the bacteria. People usually get infected by breathing in dust from dried bird droppings or secretions.

Symptoms of psittacosis often include a dry cough, fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. While most cases are mild and can be treated with antibiotics, some people develop serious complications.

These can include pneumonia (a lung infection), inflammation of the heart valves (endocarditis), liver inflammation (hepatitis), and even nerve or brain issues.

Cryptococcosis is a rare but serious fungal infection that can spread to people from bird droppings, especially when cleaning cages or inhaling contaminated dust. It most often affects the lungs or brain.

Lung infections can resemble pneumonia, while brain infections (cryptococcal meningitis) can cause confusion, stiff neck, nausea, and sensitivity to light. Serious complications include brain swelling, neurological damage, and fungal growths (cryptococcomas) in organs like the lungs or brain.

People who care for birds should avoid stirring up dried droppings or dust in cages. Wearing protective gear like gloves and a mask while cleaning bird cages, and keeping good hygiene practices, can help prevent infections.