Risk of Toxocariasis Transmission from Dogs to Children

Prevention Strategies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as reported in MMWR Recommendations and Reports, recommends hand washing as the single most important prevention step for reducing disease transmission risk 2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as reported in MMWR Recommendations and Reports, suggests supervising young children closely when around animals, especially in public settings, and considering having adults carry them in animal areas or limit animal contact to over barriers 2
Poor hygiene practices after handling pets or playing in potentially contaminated areas can increase the risk of Toxocara transmission, according to MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1

High-risk populations, such as children under 5 years, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women, should take heightened precautions, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 2