Dear Editor:
Pets can aid in promoting a feeling of physical and psychological comfort. Until recently, many people with compromised immune systems felt that they would have to do away with the companionship of their pets for fear of acquiring an infection. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that you do not have to give up your beloved pet. There are certain precautions that should be followed, which will allow an immuno-compromised person to keep the risk for infection from pets low.
Animals may carry infections that could be harmful to an HIV infected person. That is why the decision to keep a pet must be based on the knowledge of safety precautions to prevent infections. Animals can have various diseases like cryptosporidiosis (“crypto”), toxoplasmosis (“toxo”), mycobacterium avium complex (“MAC”). These diseases can cause brain infections, diarrhea and skin lesions. Thus, there are certain directives from the CDC that should be followed to avoid these type of infections.
Every time you handle or care for your pet, wash your hands with soap and water, especially before preparing food or eating.
Make sure you are careful to feed your pet only pet food, or if you do give them meat, etc., make sure it is thoroughly cooked. Do not give them uncooked meat or let them drink from toilet bowls, eat from the garbage can or eat other animal’s stool.
Do not touch the stool of any animal. Ask someone who is not infected with HIV and is not pregnant to change your cat’s litter box daily. Organizations exist that will come to your home and clean up after your pet or take them out for a walk, etc. Ex. PAWS in San Francisco or POWARS with 17 animal service organizations nationwide, help AIDS patients to keep their pets, even when they cannot physically care for the animals. If you must clean the cage or aquarium of your pet, wear rubber or household cleaning gloves when you clean, and wash your hands well immediately after you finish.
Have your cat’s nails clipped so it cannot scratch you. If scratched or bitten, wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
Playing and caring for your pet is acceptable, however, do not let your pet lick your mouth or any open cuts or wounds. Also keep fleas off your pet.
Avoid reptiles such as turtles, snakes and lizards and other exotic animals such as monkeys, bats, etc.
Do not handle any animals that have diarrhea, that look unhealthy or are strays. Strays can scratch or bite you and they can carry many infections and diseases.
New Jersey Poison Information and Education System
201 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112