Hookworm Infection and Animals
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
What is hookworm infection?
Hookworm infection is a disease caused by several species of
parasites. The symptoms of animal hookworm infection in people
depend on how people get the infection. Early stages of animal
hookworms, the larvae, can infect people and travel through
different parts of the human body. This is called larva migrans
(LAR-va MIGH-granz). People can also get painful and itchy skin
infections when animal hookworm larvae move through their skin.
If a person accidentally eats animal hookworm eggs, then the
larvae that hatch out of the eggs can reach the intestine and
cause bleeding, inflammation (swelling), and abdominal pain.
Can animals transmit hookworm infection to me?
Yes, but not directly. Puppies and kittens are especially
likely to have hookworm infections. Animals that are infected
pass hookworm eggs in their stools. The eggs can hatch into
larvae, and both eggs and larvae may be found in dirt where
animals have been. Eggs or larvae can get into your body when you
accidentally eat or have direct contact with contaminated dirt.
For example, this can happen if a child is walking barefoot or
playing in an area where dogs or cats have been (especially
puppies or kittens).
How do I reduce my risk of getting hookworm?
- Do not walk barefoot or contact the soil with bare hands
in areas where hookworm is common or there is likely to
be feces (stool) in the soil or sand.
- Dogs and cats should be dewormed by your veterinarian.
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