Guinea pigs are popular pets for young children. But like most rodents, guinea pigs can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. That may scare you as a parent, but it's an opportunity for learning: Teaching your children proper hygiene and pet-handling allows them to enjoy a guinea pig as a pet without contracting the contaminants they carry.
Contract Diseases
The two most worrisome diseases guinea pigs can pass to humans are salmonella and ringworm. While it is possible for guinea pigs to pass lymphocytic choriomeningitis to humans, the guinea pig must first be infected by a wild mouse that gets into your home or the place where you purchased the pet.
How People Are Infected
People are affected by guinea pig diseases when they don't properly handle their pet and then fail to wash their hands. In the case of salmonella, the disease can pass to humans through handling and cage cleaning. Ringworm is mostly passed to the elderly and children under the age of 5 due to their weaker immune systems. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is most problematic for pregnant women. The disease can cause birth defects and mental retardation.
Protection Against Disease
Always wear gloves when cleaning your guinea pig's cage, and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet. If you know for sure your pet is sick with the salmonella virus, also be sure to wash your clothing after handling. Signs that your guinea pig has the virus include, weight loss, depression, changes in the coat, dehydration, loss of appetite and fever. Ringworm can be passed by handling the pet, that's why it's essential to wash your hands immediately after handling the pet. Lastly, pregnant women should never handle guinea pigs or clean their cages. This not only prevents salmonella and ringworm, but is essential for preventing lymphocytic choriomeningitis.
Protecting Your Guinea Pig
The ultimate protection against these diseases is to protect your pet from them. Salmonella is a disease that can easily be avoided by cleaning fruits and vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to your pet. You should also take care to remove soiled bedding and clean your guinea pig's cage weekly. Ringworm can also be prevented through regular cage maintenance. Remove uneaten food daily to prevent a buildup of material.
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Writer Bio
Amy Brantley has been a writer since 2006, contributing to numerous online publications. She specializes in business, finance, food, decorating and pets.
