Real stories, real impact
We use real-life stories to explain how human, animal, and environmental health are connected. By looking at cases of communities affected by diseases that spread between animals and people, we can see how important it is to take preventative steps.
Laboratory-Acquired Brucellosis in Turkey
Two women lab workers contracted brucellosis while handling Brucella cultures. The first, , developed fever, joint pain, and fatigue after working on an open bench without proper protective equipment. The second, experienced mild joint pain and fatigue. Both had no contact with livestock or raw dairy outside work.
Brucella is a zoonotic bacterium transmitted from animals to humans via direct contact with blood, secretions, or contaminated products.
Tragic Rabies Case from a Puppy Scratch in Morocco
While on vacation in Morocco, Ms. Ford was scratched by a stray puppy. What was Initially thought to be minor, the scratch led to a rabies infection. Two weeks later, she developed a headache, followed by inability to walk, sleep, swallow, or talk. A while after, Ms. Ford passed away.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be prevented with vaccines. Symptoms usually appear 3–12 weeks after exposure and may include numbness or tingling at the bite site, hallucinations, anxiety, or difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Human infection from Cattle: Avian Bird Flu
A person in Texas developed conjunctivitis after exposure to dairy cattle that were infected with bird flu. They were treated with antiviral medication and recovered. This is the first documented human case in the U.S. linked to infected cows.
Bird flu, typically affects birds but can occasionally infect mammals and humans after direct contact with sick animals.
Outbreak of an emerging zoonotic Nipah virus: An emerging concern
Nipah virus (NiV) is a deadly virus . Humans become infected through contact with infected animals and or their secretions. Symptoms include fever, body aches, and vomiting to severe neuro complications.
NiV has caused 236 deaths. Its potential for rapid human-to-human transmission and high mortality makes it one of the most concerning emerging zoonotic viruses.
Information
For more information on how to prevent Zoonotic diseases please visit our page on prevention strategies linked below: