Yes, humans can contract worms from cats and dogs, including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms.
Are tapeworms contagious from cat to human?
Can I get a tapeworm infection from my pet? Yes; however, the risk of infection with this tapeworm in humans is very low. For a person to become infected with Dipylidium, he or she must accidentally swallow an infected flea. Most reported cases involve children.
How do I know if I got worms from my cat?
Small segments break off and are passed in your pet's feces. These segments, which can sometimes be seen moving, are actually packets of tapeworm eggs. If your pet has tapeworms, you may see tiny white segments that look like grains of rice slowly moving around their waste or stuck to their back end.
How likely is it for humans to get worms from cats?
The transmission of intestinal parasites from pets to humans, predominantly children, is something we've been aware of for a long while. But until recently, quality information - backed by good science - was unavailable. Numerically, the odds of you or your children getting worms from your dog or cat are quite low.
Can I get tapeworms from my cat sleeping in my bed?
Yes, it's possible for you to get worms from your cat if she sleeps in your bed. It's not a grave risk, but it is a possibility. The parasite eggs (oocytes) that develop into worms can be transmitted to humans. You have to ingest the oocytes for this too happen, which makes it harder for you to become infected.
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