Research at Prince of Songkla University World’s first case of cat spreading COVID-19 to humans after sneezing at veterinarian while medical professionals Confirmed low risk of infecting people
Today (20 June 2022), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saranu Choosri, an infectious disease specialist Department of Internal Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Assistant Dean hospital department Faculty of Medicine Prince of Songkla University Addressing the case of the New York Times, the famous US media Citing a study report in Thailand found that people infected with COVID-19 from cats in 2021
The report refers to the research of Prince of Songkla University. Recently published on June 6, 2022, in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Thailand is likely to be the first country to experience COVID-19 infection, which is thought to be an infectious disease. From “Cats to People”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dr. Saranu said that the spread of infection from cats to people. The incident happened on August 4, 2021, when a 10-year-old cat was living with two owners in Bangkok when the owner contracted COVID-19 and at that time in the Bangkok area, there were quite limited treatment beds. Therefore, he plans to come and treat his relatives in Songkhla Province.
The two patients were in a private car from Bangkok with the cat. Until August 8, 2021, he was admitted to the ward for COVID-19 at Songkhla Nakarin Hospital. And the veterinarian was afraid that the cat would be infected. On August 10, 2021, the cat was examined by probing the nostrils and anus. Confirmed results of COVID-19 infection
But while collecting the specimens, the cat sneezed, which at that time the veterinarian who wear a mask tightly but did not put the face chill as well as 2 other officers who act as assistants
Three days later, or on June 13, 2021, the veterinarian started showing symptoms of fever, cough and runny nose. Two days later, he was examined and found that he was infected with COVID-19 and received treatment. The cat at that time No runny nose, cough, eat normally.
As for the two veterinary assistants, from 2 examinations, no infection was found. which shows that Chances of infection from cats are low. If not really in close contact, which on August 22, 2021, the patient and the veterinarian treated for 7 days and was discharged from the hospital. From the follow-up period, it was found that no side effects no complications And the cat is normal and healthy.
It was found that the COVID-19 infection in the cat at that time is a delta species By testing the genetic characteristics of COVID-19 found in cat owners, cats and veterinarians, it was found that they were the same type. and from a comparison with samples of bacteria that exist in the community was not found to have the same genetic traits Therefore, it is believed that it is not from an outbreak in the community. But it’s a human-to-cat infestation. and from cat to human
Although it was found that there was a low risk of transmission from cats to humans. or from person to cat including other pets, especially mammals If the pet owner is sick, avoid close contact with the pet.
The study found that In the case of an infected cat No sneezing, coughing or runny nose symptoms were found, so the risk was low. and was detected in the rectum thus showing that the infection will come out through the feces Usually, the babysitter will not come into contact with the pet’s faeces. But it is recommended to wash your hands with soap and alcohol.