IMSS warns about transmission of diseases from animals to humans

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) works to reduce the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, so it is important to take preventive measures such as hygienic food handling, proper hand washing, avoiding street food consumption, and not touching or adopting wild animals .

The IMSS calls on the population to learn about the main Zoonosis, an infection that passes from an animal to a human and causes diseases such as rabies, brucellosis, rickettsiosis, encephalitis (brain inflammation), salmonellosis, influenza, and the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex. , which require immediate medical attention.

Dr. Carlos Becerril Gutiérrez, assistant coordinating physician for Epidemiological Surveillance of the Decentralized Administrative Operation Body (OOAD) of Mexico City South, explained that The main form of contagion is by direct contact, that is, by saliva or bites from infected animals such as dogs, cats, ticks, mosquitoes or bats, ingestion of contaminated food, among others. .

He added that among the bacterial diseases that most affect humans is brucellosis, an infection caused by a bacterium that affects various mammal species such as cows, goats, camels, dogs, and pigs. Infection occurs through the consumption of unpasteurized or raw products, poor hygiene, and undercooked meat, among other things .

For her part, Dr. Elizabet Damaris Flores Vivaldo, assistant coordinator of Epidemiological Surveillance at the OOAD Ciudad de México Sur, emphasized that diseases caused by the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 have a high mutation capacity . "COVID-19 was an emerging disease caused by zoonoses, for which no country had the experience in how to prevent and respond to mass contagion," she emphasized.

Both specialists emphasized that there are unconventional animals that have become companions, such as some species of primates, lizards, or marsupials, but they cannot be considered domesticated due to their wild nature , in addition to being potential transmitters of diseases such as rabies.

"These animals belong to a different habitat, and in addition to altering their natural habitat, we are exposed to unexpected behaviors that can result in tragedies due to their very nature," they commented.

In case of a serious injury due to a bite or poisoning, it is important to go to the nearest Family Medicine Unit (UMF) to assess the type of follow-up. , as well as the treatment that should be provided, such as rabies vaccination.

With information from the IMSS

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