Be aware of the risk of contracting diseases from pets.

Nghe An Newspaper had an interview with Master of Science, Doctor Nguyen Huy Anh - Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Nghe An Center for Disease Control and Prevention, regarding this issue.

PV:Recently, quite a number of people have come to the Nghe An Center for Disease Control and Prevention for examination due to allergies related to roundworm infections from dogs and cats. Could you provide more information about this phenomenon, as well as explain the cause of the illness?

Master's degree holder, Doctor Nguyen Huy Anh:As society develops, pets are playing an increasingly special role, almost like family members: sharing daily life, eating, sleeping with their owners, and bringing much joy to their lives. However, pets are also carriers of many disease-causing agents that can be transmitted to humans. Without proper care and prevention, pets can pose a significant risk to their owners.

Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are generally called infectious diseases. The closer the contact with animals or their waste and secretions, the higher the chance of infection for humans, specifically:

The most common disease transmitted to humans from pets, yet often overlooked, is infection with various parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Many people have been infected with roundworms for years, initially experiencing itching. They often seek treatment at dermatology clinics, but after prolonged treatment, the infection persists. Upon examination and testing at the Center for Disease Control, they are found to be positive for roundworms.

The target population affected by dog ​​and cat roundworm larvae is diverse, even including young children as young as 2-3 years old. The disease causes damage to the liver, brain, spleen, and kidneys, and triggers an allergic immune response manifested by persistent itching and rashes.

Roundworm infections in dogs and cats can be transmitted to humans through various routes. When pets are infected with roundworms, after parasitism, the eggs develop and are released into the environment through their feces. Each day, these pets can excrete thousands of roundworm eggs. The roundworm eggs in the pet's feces can contaminate water sources and food such as fruits and vegetables. People who habitually eat raw or undercooked vegetables are highly susceptible to infection.

Additionally, dog and cat hair flying into people's food can also cause roundworm infection. Habits such as caring for, hugging, or kissing pets, or not using necessary protective equipment, are also risk factors for infection.

When worm eggs enter the human body, they travel to the intestines, shed their shells, and become larvae. These larvae then penetrate the intestinal wall and travel through the bloodstream to various organs. The most dangerous situations arise when they damage the lungs, eyes, liver, and brain. Symptoms vary depending on the location of infection, but some noticeable signs include persistent itching, hives, and rashes caused by larvae migrating under the skin. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, headaches, fever, and skin lesions.

To treat the disease, doctors will prescribe specific medications to treat the larval stage of dog and cat roundworms and the itching symptoms. During treatment, some patients respond quickly, while others require 2-3 courses of treatment to recover. Of particular concern is the increasing number of patients infected with these larvae recently, and even taking deworming medication twice a year does not eliminate dog and cat roundworms; a specific treatment regimen is necessary.

According to statistics from the Provincial Center for Disease Control, Nghe An province detects and treats thousands of people infected with dog and cat roundworm larvae each year. In 2023, the Nghe An Provincial Center for Disease Control received approximately 12,900 visits for examination, of which 10,862 were patients infected with roundworms from dogs and cats. In just the first four months of 2024, there were 2,011 visits for examination, with 1,984 people infected with roundworms from dogs and cats.

With popular pets like dogs and cats, besides roundworm disease in cats, pet owners also face the risk of rabies from dog or cat bites and scratches that transmit the rabies virus to the human body. The incubation period for rabies is 2-8 weeks, and can even extend up to a year, depending on the severity and location of the wound and the amount of rabies virus transmitted. There is currently no cure for rabies. Once symptoms develop, the mortality rate for those infected with the rabies virus is 100%.

Additionally, there is a disease caused by Pasteurella bacteria, which causes fever, swelling, osteomyelitis, septicemia, and can lead to death. The bacteria commonly reside in the mouths and respiratory tracts of animals, especially cats. Infection of humans occurs through scratches and skin lesions.

Another risk factor is that Leptospira bacteria are excreted in the urine of infected pets. This can cause direct or indirect infection in humans. When infected, people usually experience fever, vomiting, chills, and a rash, which can lead to kidney failure if left untreated, and more dangerously, this bacterium can cause infertility in humans.

PV:It is known that not only dogs and cats, but also many other types of pets such as ornamental birds and chickens can transmit diseases to their owners. What are these diseases and how dangerous are they?

Master's degree holder, Doctor Nguyen Huy Anh:There are three types of infectious diseases transmitted from birds and chickens that are harmful to humans that are widely discussed: avian influenza (A/H5N1), ornithosis ("bird fever"), and psittacosis ("parrot fever"). Of these, avian influenza transmitted to humans is a highly virulent strain; infected individuals often experience severe illness and have a high mortality rate (around 50%). Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for this disease…

According to information from the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), on March 23, 2024, Vietnam recorded one death due to avian influenza. The patient was a 21-year-old male from Tan Ninh village, Ninh Trung commune, Ninh Hoa town, Khanh Hoa province. Epidemiological investigations revealed that before and after the 2024 Lunar New Year, the patient went bird trapping near his residence (this area had no sick or dead poultry).

Ornithosis (bird fever) affects many types of birds, including pigeons, sparrows, and some wild birds kept as pets. The culprit in birds is a type of rickettsia (microorganisms with a structure similar to bacterial cells). Birds transmit the disease to humans through contaminated feces or feathers. It enters the body through the respiratory tract, sometimes via food into the digestive tract. Symptoms resemble acute pneumonia: high fever, headache, shortness of breath, cough with purulent mucus, muscle pain in the limbs and lower back...

Psittacosis is a serious viral disease affecting parrots and mynas. Infection occurs through inhaling dust contaminated with the virus, ingesting contaminated food, feathers, or the droppings of sick parrots. The incubation period is typically 8-10 days. Mild cases may present with fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, and vomiting. Body temperature may reach 39-40°C, accompanied by sweating, joint and spinal pain, and pain in the forehead and temples. Other symptoms include rhinitis, pharyngitis, and coughing. The disease usually begins as bronchitis, with signs of pneumonia appearing after a week. Patients typically recover within 7-10 days.

In severe cases, patients experience persistent high fever (40°C), extreme fatigue, insomnia, and general weakness. There are clear neurological symptoms (tremors, vacant stare, drowsiness or restlessness), and the urine is scanty, dark, and contains high levels of albumin. By the second week, severe pulmonary symptoms appear. Patients develop severe bronchopneumonia with large inflammatory foci in both lungs, possibly with pleural reaction. Death is likely at this time or in the third week due to cardiovascular collapse or pulmonary edema.

PV:Currently, it has been observed that many teenagers have chosen to keep turtles, iguanas, and monitor lizards as pets. Do these animals carry diseases that are dangerous to humans?

Master's degree holder, Doctor Nguyen Huy Anh:It's important to emphasize that all pets are capable of transmitting diseases to humans, including turtles and other reptiles. Many diseases from turtles and reptiles can be transmitted to humans through bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites entering the mouth. They can also spread through the air or from an open wound on the skin. Four common diseases from turtles and reptiles that can be transmitted to humans include: Salmonella infection, Clostridium poisoning, Campylobacter infection, and leptospirosis.

Salmonella infections are commonly found in all reptiles and can spread from reptiles to humans. Salmonella bacteria from turtles and other reptiles can be transmitted to owners when they put something contaminated with turtle or reptile feces into their mouths, or simply put small or medium-sized turtles or reptiles in their mouths. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, headaches, and fever. It can also cause stomach cramps, typhoid fever, or lead to sepsis, and even death.

Clostridium bacteria are found abundantly in the environment, including soil and mud. Animals that live near the ground, such as turtles and reptiles, are often susceptible to Clostridium infection. Clostridium poisoning is a serious, life-threatening condition in humans, as the bacteria cause paralysis and death. Adults have a type of bacteria that develops to inhibit Clostridium. However, infants and young children have not yet developed this "protective shield."

Campylobacter infection is an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Campylobacter. These bacteria are commonly found in the feces of infected people or animals. Infection can be mild or severe. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and seizures within 2–5 days of ingesting the bacteria.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by leptospirosis. It is commonly found in wild animals and reptiles. The infection spreads through contact with the urine of infected animals. This contact can occur directly through cuts or abrasions on the body, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and eyes. Infected individuals often experience flu-like symptoms, along with a persistent and severe headache.

PV:Given these numerous risks, who should avoid owning pets? What advice do doctors have for people who want to keep pets while effectively preventing disease transmission?

Master's degree holder, Doctor Nguyen Huy Anh:Owning pets is becoming a trend and a hobby for many people and families. To live safely with pets without worrying about the risk of disease, the first thing people need to do is raise awareness about diseases and implement effective preventive measures.

First and foremost, for pets like dogs and cats, it's essential to manage and vaccinate them against diseases, especially rabies, as recommended by veterinary authorities. Regularly monitor your pets' health to take preventative measures against diseases for both pets and humans. Maintain good hygiene for your pets according to veterinary experts' guidelines.

Wash your hands with soap after contact with pets to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Minimize close contact with pets... Teach young children in the house preventive behaviors: wash hands after playing with pets, do not hug, kiss, or share food with pets, report to an adult if scratched or bitten by a pet, especially dogs or cats. Do not allow pets to play near food preparation areas.

Do not adopt wild animals or animals of unknown origin. Limit contact with wild animals, especially birds. Pet owners who notice any unusual health symptoms should immediately seek medical attention for accurate and effective diagnosis and treatment.

PV:Thank you, doctor!