Coronavirus and other 5 zoonotic diseases to watch out

Zoonotic diseases are mainly transmitted by an animal or insect to a human being and they can cause minor to long term illness and sometimes death.

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They can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, and parasites. 

They include:  

Rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is caused by a virus that is spread by an infected animal biting to another animal or person. It is untreatable but vaccinations can prevent it. In Kenya, it is common in dogs.    

Coronavirus is a deadly virus transmitted from animals to humans. This world is currently dealing with the virus where the first case was reported in Wuhan, China. Infected persons can also transmit it to other uninfected persons. It is spread through air and contact with infected persons and animals.   

Anthrax is transmission occurs when humans come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Wild and domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, and deer acquire the disease when they inhale or ingest spores in contaminated soils, plants or water.   

Brucellosis is transmitted by a bacteria called genus Brucella that is spread when humans eat contaminated raw meat and unpasteurized milk, through air or contact with body fluids of an infected animal.    

 Q fever is a bacterial infection commonly found in cattle, sheep, and goats that are transmitted to human when they breathe in dust contaminated by infected animals.    

Salmonella is an intestinal illness acquired from reptiles, amphibians, chicks, and ducklings. It is transmitted to humans through contact with the animals and their environment.   

Other diseases to watch out include, cat scratch fever, animal flu, bird flu, malaria, ringworms, rat-bite fever, parrot fever, Ebola, plague and, swine flu.   

How they are transmitted   

These diseases are transmitted through air, eating contaminated meat or produce, close contact with an infected animal and through animal bites.

The transmissions mainly occur when people encounter with livestock, wild animals and zoo pets and through hiking activities where they can get into contact with wild birds like bats.    

How to prevent yourself from the diseases     

Practice proper hygiene when handling foods and animals.

Use insect repellents or other methods to keep off these insects.

Once bitten by an animal, seek medical attention.

Ensure the pet is vaccinated.

Keep the vaccination dates updated.

Ask your veterinarian for the best insect preventatives for your pets.

Don't come into contact with animals’ body fluids.

During hunting and camping be aware of areas where animals and insects might be, don't approach a friendly wild animal.    

Some zoonotic diseases are treatable while others are deadly but can be prevented through vaccinations. It's advisable to take preventive measures when around wild and domestic animals.