Can humans get foot-and-mouth disease?

 

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. With the disease spreading among animals, an important question arises: Can it be transmitted to humans? And what are its risks to humans? 

 

The truth is that foot-and-mouth disease can be transmitted to humans, but this is extremely rare. The virus that causes the disease prefers to multiply in the delicate tissue cells found in animals' hooves and mouths, an ideal environment for its growth. In humans, infection can occur through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, such as meat or unpasteurized milk. 

 

Symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease in humans:

When a person is infected with foot-and-mouth disease, the symptoms that may appear are usually mild and include: 

 

• Skin rash: A small red rash may appear on the hands, feet, and mouth. 

• Fever: The person may have a mild fever. 

• Mouth infections: Painful sores may appear in the mouth and throat. 

• Muscle pain: The affected person may feel muscle pain. 

 

Reasons for the rarity of infection in humans:

 

• Acid barrier: The human digestive system contains powerful acids that kill many viruses and bacteria, including foot-and-mouth disease. 

• Differences in cell receptors: The virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease binds to specific cell receptors that are abundant in ruminants, but less common in human cells. 

 

The danger of foot-and-mouth disease to humans:

 

Although humans can contract foot-and-mouth disease, the disease is usually mild and resolves on its own within a short period. In very rare cases, serious complications can develop, especially in people with weakened immune systems. 

 

Injury prevention: 

 

• Personal hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals or animal products. 

• Cook meat thoroughly: Make sure meat is cooked thoroughly before eating to kill any microbes that may be present. 

• Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk: You should avoid drinking unpasteurized milk, as it may be contaminated with the foot-and-mouth virus. 

• Vaccination: Animals are vaccinated regularly to protect against foot-and-mouth disease, which helps limit the spread of the disease. 

 

Human infection with foot-and-mouth disease is uncommon, and symptoms are usually mild. However, precautions should be taken to maintain health and prevent this disease, especially when handling animals or animal products.