Keeping You and Your Furry Friend Healthy: Insights from a Medical Professional

Health officials in Alaska recently announced the first documented human fatality caused by a virus known as Alaskapox. The individual, who passed away in January, resided in a wooded region and looked after a stray cat that preyed on small creatures. Officials believe that his compromised immune system made him susceptible to contracting Alaskapox through animal contact.

At around the same time, a person in Oregon was diagnosed with bubonic plague, with health officials believing the infection may have come from a cat. The individual is currently in the early stages of the illness, and both the patient and close contacts are receiving treatment with antibiotics.

Group of senior men of various backgrounds having a friendly meet on the street in their neighborhood. Bright fall scene on the road in the North American city.

Group of senior men of various backgrounds having a friendly meet on the street in their neighborhood. Bright fall scene on the road in the North American city.

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A study suggests that adding a pet could help reduce cognitive decline in individuals over 50 who live alone.

Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness medical expert, advises on the potential risks of diseases that can be transmitted from nonhuman animals to humans. It is important for pet owners and animal lovers to take precautions to ensure the health and well-being of both themselves and their pets.

Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. In this role, she was also responsible for overseeing animal control and protection.

CNN recently posed a question regarding the potential diseases that household pets, such as cats and dogs, can transmit to humans.

Just like humans can spread diseases to other humans, animals can also transmit diseases within their own species. Additionally, animals can transmit diseases to humans, especially pets with whom people have close contact.

One way to categorize diseases that can be passed from household pets to humans is by the method of transmission, such as through the fecal-oral route. If a person comes into contact with the feces of infected animals and does not properly wash their hands, or if the fecal matter contaminates water or food that is consumed, they could potentially contract the disease.

Common diseases caused by bacteria and parasites include campylobacter, salmonella, cryptosporidium, giardia, and tapeworm. Symptoms of these infections may present as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Treatment options vary depending on the specific illness and may include antibiotics or antiparasitic medications. While these infections are typically mild, they can pose a more serious threat to individuals with underlying medical conditions, as well as to young children and the elderly.

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The CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024

Derek Sakris/CDC/FILE

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Toxoplasmosis is a specific parasitic infection that is often linked to cleaning cat litter boxes or consuming food or water contaminated with cat feces. While many individuals may not display any symptoms, pregnant women are at a heightened risk as the infection can be passed on to their babies through the placenta. This transmission can lead to severe neurological issues in infants, including seizures, vision loss, and mental disability.

Another possible avenue of infection is through scratches and bites. Cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection, can be contracted when a cat breaks a person's skin with a scratch or bite. Additionally, the disease can spread if an infected cat licks an individual's open wound. Symptoms of this infection include swollen and painful lymph nodes, along with fever and headache.

Rabies is a deadly viral infection that can be spread to humans through the bite of infected animals. It is almost always fatal. In the United States, most domestic animals are vaccinated against rabies, but in other countries, this may not be the case. Fortunately, there are rabies shots available for individuals who have been exposed to the virus.

adult tick (Ixodes scapularis) on grass

adult tick (Ixodes scapularis) on grass

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Another way infections can be transmitted is through vectors such as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. For example, ticks are known to transmit diseases like Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia. These diseases can be spread when a person is bitten by an infected tick that has previously fed off an infected animal. Dogs that frequent wooded areas may carry these infected ticks, which can then transmit the diseases to humans.

CNN is also questioning the transmission of Alaskapox and the bubonic plague from animals.

Alaskapox belongs to the orthopoxvirus category, which includes various viruses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. These viruses consist of mpox (previously known as monkeypox), cowpox, smallpox, and vaccinia viruses. The exact method of transmission of Alaskapox to the man who passed away is unknown, but one possible route could be through an infected animal biting the individual or the exposure of an infected animal to a pre-existing break in the man's skin.

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Bubonic plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, can be transmitted through an open wound coming into contact with an animal's infectious bodily fluids or through the bite of an infected flea.

Wen: Pet owners and animal lovers can protect themselves, their family members, and their pets by taking several important steps.

They should start by making sure their dogs and cats are up-to-date on their vaccinations, which can prevent various illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Vaccines also protect pets from diseases that are specific to animals but can still be dangerous, even fatal. Regular checkups are also essential for the overall well-being of pets.

Dog owners should make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccines, including those for canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza, authorities say.

Authorities recommend that dog owners ensure their pets are current on their vaccinations, including those for canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza.

Veterinarians are puzzled by a mysterious respiratory illness that is spreading among dogs. Owners should promptly take their pet to the veterinarian if it becomes ill. In the meantime, it is advisable to minimize contact with sick pets. Identifying the cause of the illness can lead to faster treatment for the animal and potential testing and treatment for humans.

Commonsense precautions can help reduce disease transmission, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling feces and waste. It is important to maintain a clean living area for pets and to avoid contact with wild animals or those displaying unusual behavior.

Children assisting with tasks like cleaning litter boxes or picking up after pets should be reminded to wash their hands properly. They should also be cautioned against kissing their pets' mouths and engaging in activities that could lead to accidental bites. Additionally, it is essential for kids to wash their hands after visiting friends' homes with animals or petting zoos on farms. Outdoor waste, including in one's own yard, should be cleaned promptly, and children should not play in areas contaminated with animal feces.

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It's important to maintain good hygiene and reduce rodents in and around the animal's living space to lower the risk of fleas. Additionally, carefully check for ticks after going to wooded areas and remove them immediately to decrease the risk of tick-borne illnesses.

Certainly not. People seek animal companionship for many reasons. For many people, having a dog or cat is essential to their own well-being and mental health. There are simple steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of animal to human disease transmission. Individuals who should take additional care include those who are immunocompromised, babies and pregnant women.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the potential risks of diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to ensure the health of both pets and their owners. The tragic case of the first documented human fatality caused by Alaskapox and the diagnosis of bubonic plague in Oregon serve as stark reminders of the need for vigilance.

While it's crucial to be aware of these risks, it's equally vital to remember the immense benefits that pets bring to our lives. They provide companionship, reduce loneliness, and have been shown to improve mental health. With proper precautions in place, such as vaccinations, regular checkups, and maintaining a clean environment, individuals can enjoy the joys of pet ownership while minimizing the risk of disease transmission.