A recent study led by Dr. Maja Summa of Finland’s University of Helsinki, Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, has shown that dogs can transmit novovirus to humans.
The researchers believe that dogs, especially those in contact with young children, contract the virus and become carriers. The novovirus causes gastroenteritis and diarrheal disease in people.
Symptoms can be vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, muscle aches, fever. Novovirus can be spread through contaminated food and water. Dehydration can be a serious side effect and drinking lots of fluids is recommended.
If your dog shows any signs of intestinal distress, you might want to add probiotics to his/her diet.
Practicing good hygiene is a preventive. Wash hands thoroughly, especially before and after handling food or your dog.
Researchers claim they will investigate further concerning animal-human transmission of diseases.
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