With so many germs on pets, should families with children keep pets?

Jiajia, a 12-year-old girl in Ningbo, was sent to the hospital for examination due to eye discomfort. It was found that her right eye had poor vision, and she could only see the fingers in front of her eyes. But the child's eyesight has always been very good, why has it suddenly reached the level of almost blindness?

After treatment in Ningbo and Shanghai, doctors finally determined that Jiajia suffers from "toxocariasis in the right eye", which is related to Jiajia's very close pet. With kids at home, should we keep pets?

Cute pet with scary canine toxocariasis

Toxocariasis canis is a common parasitic disease caused by Toxocara. Whether it is a cute cat or a cute dog, as long as it is parasitized by Toxoplasma, the feces that are pulled out will contain many eggs.

These eggs are so powerful that they can easily contaminate the areas where children play - the ground, sandpits, shoes, toys, etc., or they stick to the fur of cats and dogs and can be easily touched and swallowed by children.

Once these eggs enter the child's body, they hatch into larvae, pass through the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, and migrate to the child's liver, lungs, eyes and other parts.

If the larvae invade the brain, the patient may experience seizures and, in severe cases, death.

Eye infections are the most difficult to treat compared to infections at other sites. The larvae invaded the retina and formed granulomas around it, possibly causing similar blindness in Ningbo girls.

own pets and recognize the risks of these diseases

The risks of pet ownership are not just toxoplasmosis. The WHO has a specific definition of such "diseases and infections that are naturally transmitted between humans and vertebrates" as zoonotic diseases. At present, more than 200 species of zoonotic diseases have been found in the world, and more than 150 species of zoonotic diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites have been found in China.

one. dog

The most terrifying thing for dogs is carrying the rabies virus. If you are scratched or bitten by a dog, the most direct consequence is the possibility of rabies. The disease can cause infection of the central nervous system, which is extremely harmful, because once infected, the mortality rate is almost 100%.

In addition to the rabies virus, dogs may also carry Toxoplasma, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and more.

two. Cat

Cats are the ultimate host of Toxoplasma gondii. Infected cats excrete large numbers of oocysts that can be stored for a long time, and if food containing these oocysts is eaten, human organs such as eyes, ears, throat and internal organs may become sick. The disease is even more harmful to pregnant women, who are prone to miscarriages, premature births or stillbirths.

In addition, being scratched by a cat can also lead to rabies virus infection.

three. bird

Most bird-borne diseases are asymptomatic, and sometimes severe disease occurs. Such as psittacosis, bird flu, Newcastle disease and other respiratory diseases, Salmonella infection, Campylobacter, Giardia, etc. cause gastrointestinal diseases, and birds may also cause skin diseases.

Four. other

Rodents such as rats and chinchillas appear harmless, but they are associated with many serious infectious diseases, such as epidemic hemorrhagic fever and plague.

By contrast, fish and reptile pets are at relatively low risk. Currently, Mycobacterium marine is the most common pathogen transmitted from pet fish to humans. Humans raise fish mainly by cleaning and changing the water, or by direct contact with the infection.

Pets are also great companions for children

Despite the risks of pet ownership, there are many benefits for children to play with pets.

one. Develop a sense of responsibility. Basic care of pets, feeding, bathing, etc. is unavoidable. When children take care of their pets, they can better understand understanding and responsibility. In the future, they can also take better care of themselves and their families.

two. Reduce allergies and asthma. Research shows that children who grow up with pets are less likely to develop allergies and asthma. Children who have been exposed to pet dandruff or other allergens before age 1 can help build stronger immune systems.

three. Reduce childhood obesity. Pets need exercise and games, children and pets run and jump together, increase children's exercise, help reduce children's obesity.

Four. better mindset. According to research from the University of Missouri, most teens believe that adults don't know what they're thinking, so they hide their problems, and pets may be the best people to talk to. What's more, petting a pet is the most effective way to help teens soothe and calm their minds.

Six principles of keeping pets with children

If you want to keep a pet while you have children, you must pay attention to these six aspects.

one. Purchase pets with health certificates in formal places;

two. Regularly vaccinate pets and have them checked at a veterinary clinic;

three. Keep your distance as much as possible when in contact with pets. It is best not to sleep with pets, kiss, share utensils, try to avoid pets touching the kitchen and food.

Four. Remove pet waste promptly. When taking them out to defecate, it is best to rinse the floor with diluted bleach; when you get home, clean your pet's mouth, anus, hands and feet to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

five. After being bitten by a pet, rinse the wound with 3%-5% soapy water or water and alcohol, and immediately go to the rabies prevention and treatment clinic to receive rabies vaccine.

six. If there are people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly and children, pay close attention to their reactions to pets. If the child originally suffers from asthma and other diseases, it is not suitable to keep pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and mice.