Ringworm
Commonly infected wildlife
Is this animal infected?
- Infected animals have areas of thickened skin with hair loss on the head or legs
- Skin may be red
- Hair easily breaks away
- Lesions can be itchy
Can I get it?
Yes
- By touching the skin and hair of infected animals
How bad can it get?
May require medical attention
Protect myself and others
- Wear disposable gloves
- Wash hands
- Disinfect work space
- Warning - Once infected, you can transmit ringworm to your family
Symptoms in humans
- Skin lesions are:
- Red, circular, and spread outward
- Vary from dry and scaly to moist and crusty
- Often have a central healed area surrounded by a ring of infection
- Can be itchy
Safe for pets?
No - Once infected, pets can be a source of infection to humans
What causes it?
- Fungi that grow in soil, on humans and animals (e.g., Microsporum canis)