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roundworms

Gizmo

I brought home a stray cat. It has been diagnosed with roundworms. I have two small children and would like to know, Can my children get roundworms and if so what symptoms should I look for?

• Experienced Advisor Deepa Gopinath says:

  March 04th, 2008 at 12:20 AM

  Hello there, well done on adopting a stray cat! Roundworm infestation is what we call a zoonosis, meaning they are transferrable to people.  This doesn't happen very often but is certainly a possibility.  I would have your cat wormed with a good quality wormer (Panacur or Drontal are good and your vet can suggest others) and follow a strict worming protocol.  That should be effective to clear the cat of the infestation, hence eliminating the risk for you and you family.  I would clean the cat's faeces frequently and you cat wipe the cat's bottom with warm water a couple of times a day to help prevent re-infection. Please make sure yourself and your children practice good hygeine- ie wear gloves when handling cat's faeces, wash hands thoroughly after handling the cat.  Infection of people can cause a disease called Visceral Larva Migrans, in which the larvae of the worm burrow through the host's (person's) tissues.  Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain and respiratory signs, please see http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000633.htm#Symptoms for more info.  However these signs are fairly non-specific for many illnesses and it is important not to over-interpret them.  Pet wormers are available here at discount prices. Hope this helps!!

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