These diseases are called zoonoses and can cause mild symptoms, serious complications and even death. Animals are a source of joy and companionship for many people. However, they can also pose a risk to our health if they become infected with pathogens that can be transmitted to humans.
Animals that transmit diseases to humans
These diseases are known as zoonoses and can cause mild symptoms, serious complications and even death.
Bats
These flying mammals can harbor viruses such as rabies, Ebola and the coronavirus that caused COVID-19.
Direct or indirect contact with these animals or their excrement can then lead to human infection.
Rodents
Mice, rats, squirrels and other rodents can carry bacteria such as Leptospira, which causes leptospirosis. It is a disease that affects the liver and kidneys. Or the Hantavirus bacteria that causes hemorrhagic fever and pulmonary syndrome.
Transmission occurs through a bite, contact with urine or feces, or inhalation of contaminated dust.
Dogs
Although they are man’s best friend, dogs can also carry serious diseases such as rabies, which affects the nervous system and can be fatal.
Likewise leishmaniasis, which causes skin ulcers, fever, weight loss and spleen and liver problems.
Prevention against these animal diseases is based on vaccination, parasite control and hygiene.
Cats
These domestic felines can transmit diseases such as toxoplasmosis. This disease is caused by a parasite in the feces of these animals.
Bartonellosis, which is also caused by a bacterium that enters the body through a bite or scratch. In addition, it can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes and endocarditis.
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Prevention is therefore based on cleaning the litter box, wearing gloves and washing hands.
Mosquitoes
These insects are carriers of many serious diseases. For example dengue, zika, chikungunya, malaria, yellow fever and West Nile virus.
These diseases are characterized by fever, headache, skin rash. Muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting are also common. Prevention consists in the use of repellents, mosquito nets and appropriate clothing.
These are just a few examples of animals that transmit serious diseases to humans. However, there are many more.
If you want to read more similar articles, we recommend you visit the Animals category.
