The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) warns about zoonosis, an infection that can cause various serious diseases. With this news, it is crucial to know the symptoms and prevention methods to avoid complications.
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Zoonosis is an infection that is transmitted from animals to humans, causing serious diseases such as rabies, brucellosis, rickettsiosis, encephalitis, salmonellosis, influenza and taeniasis-cysticercosis. The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has issued a warning for the population to take preventive measures and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
Symptoms of zoonosis
According to Dr. Gonzalo Khan Espina, these are the symptoms of zoonosis, these may vary depending on the disease, but some of the most common include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Skin lesions: Scratches or bites.
The prognosis of zoonosis depends on the patient’s health status and how the disease progresses in their body. Some people can recover without treatment, but immunocompromised patients may face serious complications that require hospitalization.
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Prevention of zoonosis
Prevention is key to avoiding the serious consequences of zoonosis. Among the most effective preventive measures are:
- Maintain adequate personal hygiene.
- Wash your hands before and after handling animals.
- Avoid eating or drinking in areas where animals are housed.
- Wear farm-specific clothing or lab coats when working with animals.
- Do not handle sick or injured animals without wearing gloves.
Zoonotic infections are transmitted mainly by direct contact with saliva, bites or scratches from infected animals, as well as by ingestion of contaminated food.
Animals that can transmit these infections include dogs, cats, ticks, mosquitoes, bats, and farm animals such as cows, pigs, birds, and goats.
Dr Gonzalo Khan Espina highlights the importance of identifying animal and food sources of zoonotic diseases to facilitate the prevention and control of these infections. Zoonoses can also be transmitted from humans to animals, which underlines the need for effective control to prevent their spread.
Treatment for zoonotic infections varies depending on the specific disease. Given the diversity of zoonotic diseases, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. It is essential to consult a physician to receive the appropriate treatment.
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