- Pasteurellosis: This is a bacterial infection that can evolve into more serious health concerns, including blood infections, abscesses or pneumonia. In one case, an infant was infected by pasteurellosis after his two-year-old brother put his finger in the baby’s mouth. The two-year-old had passed the infection from the dog to the infant.Rabies: While most pets are vaccinated against rabies, it is always a concern for pet owners, and you should be aware of signs and symptoms of this disease because it easily can be spread from animal to human.
- Plague: Since 1974, there have been multiple cases of plague identified in the southwestern region of the United States. There was an outbreak of the plague in 2008. Many of those affected by this condition were pet owners who allowed their animals on the furniture. Plague is carried by fleas, and dogs are most likely to spread plague because they often do not show signs of plague illness. Therefore, the pet owner is unaware that the flea-bitten dog may be infecting them with a serious illness. Cats can also spread plague; however, it is more likely for a cat to show symptoms that may prompt a preemptive visit to the vet.
- Parasites: The most common animal to human transmitted parasites are hookworms and roundworms. Worms can be passed to humans when they come into contact with the eggs, which can be left behind on furniture or bedding by infested pets.
- Infections: Allowing a pet to lick open wounds or damaged skin can cause various types of infections. Be careful when sleeping or cuddling with a pet on the furniture or elsewhere if you have a cut or scrape that can be infected by contact with the animal.
- Meningitis: Meningitis is a dangerous illness that has been linked to pet to human transmission. Meningitis can require hospitalization and can lead to serious complications or even death.
- Cat-scratch fever: It's not just a song. When scratched or bitten by a cat carrying the Bartonella henselae bacteria, lymph nodes may swell, and a feeling of illness including fever, sore throat and headache can ensue. By sleeping with your cat, you may be inadvertently scratched without knowing it during the night and contract this illness.