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Health Information For Parents
Zoonosis (zo-OH-no-sis) means a disease that people can get from animals.
There are more than 200 different kinds of zoonoses (plural of zoonosis) caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other things. People can get zoonoses from animals in a number of different ways. For example, animal bites can cause rabies, contaminated food can cause salmonella, mouse droppings can cause hantavirus, ticks can spread Lyme disease, and mosquito bites can lead to diseases like malaria or West Nile virus.
Some zoonoses can be very dangerous to humans, but many cause only mild symptoms. Treatment for zoonoses depends on the disease and can range from rest and hydration to surgery (if there are complications) and an extended stay in the hospital.
Many zoonoses can be prevented by following rules for safe food preparation, drinking only bottled or treated water, washing hands after touching animals, keeping pets healthy and up to date on their shots, following precautions to prevent mosquito or tick bites and staying away from wild animals.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with pets. But it’s important to know how to protect your family from infections carried by pets and other animals.
Rabies is a serious infection of the nervous system that is caused by a virus. Rabies is usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal.
Toxocara are common parasites of dogs and cats. When they infect humans, the illness is called toxocariasis.
Cat scratch disease is an infection that causes swelling of the lymph nodes after a cat scratch or bite. Learn about signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment, and more.
Do you love animals? Lots of kids do. Find out how to stay safe around them in this article for kids.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infection spread by ticks. Find out more about it – including how to prevent it.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a bacteria that is carried by certain types of ticks. Learn about the signs and symptoms of RMSF and tips for preventing infection in this article.
Salmonellosis is an illness caused by a bacteria found in raw food, soil, water and the bowel movements of some animals, including reptiles. Find out how to prevent this illness.
Learn why food safety is important and how you can avoid the spread of bacteria when you are buying, preparing, and storing food.
Why is food safety important? And how can you be sure your kitchen and the foods you prepare in it are safe?
Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease – and they’re so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.
Washing your hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading. Learn all about the best way to wash your hands in this article for kids.
Washing your hands well and often is the best way to keep from getting sick. Here’s how to teach this all-important habit to your kids.
