Yes, humans can contract worms from cats and dogs, including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Here's what you need to know. Most pet owners only think of their pet's welfare when they treat worms. It's important to know, however, that worms can also pose a health risk for you and your family.
What happens if humans get tapeworms from cats?
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.
Can I get tapeworms from my cat licking me?
Because cats are not feces eaters (coprophagic), humans are unlikely to become infected by parasites from their cats.
Can humans get worms from cats with worms?
If my dog or cat has intestinal worms, how can these parasites infect humans? Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite of pets and the most likely to be transmitted to humans. Humans can accidentally ingest infective worm eggs that have been passed through the pet's feces and left in the environment.
How likely is it for humans to get worms from cats?
Scientists have told us for years that "there is a very slight pet-related risk concerning contagion of these organisms from pets to people." But current information from the National Centers for Disease Control reveals that about 10,000 children in the United States are infected annually with roundworms from dogs and ...
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