Can I catch ascariasis from my cat or dog?
Ascaris lumbricoides, the worm that causes ascariasis, has evolved to live inside humans. It doesn’t live inside cats and dogs. However, roundworms similar to A. lumbricoides do live in cats, dogs, and some other animals. Eggs from cat and dog faeces can infect people. Children and people with poor hygiene standards may become infected, especially if the animal waste isn’t being disposed of properly. If you become infected, the worm larvae don’t grow into adults. However, they may cause toxocariasis – an illness caused by the larvae migrating through the body. This can cause fever, asthma or liver problems depending on where the larvae travel. Rarely, it can cause more serious problems if the larvae reach the eyes or brain. Toxocariasis usually resolves on its own as the larvae die. However, it may also be treated with certain medicines that kill the larvae. Because of the risk of infection it’s important to have your pets de-wormed, to clean up their waste and prevent children putting
