Yes, cat roundworms can infect humans. The scientific name for a type of roundworm found in cats is Toxocara cati, and it can cause a condition called toxocariasis in humans. Toxocariasis is an infection caused by roundworm larvae, which are found in the intestines of cats, although the larvae can also be found in other animals such as dogs, foxes, and pigs.
Humans can become infected with Toxocara cati roundworms if they accidentally ingest the eggs, which can be found in soil contaminated with the feces of cats or other animals that carry the roundworms. The eggs can also be found on the fur of cats and other animals, and humans can become infected if they come into contact with the fur and then touch their mouth.
Once inside the body, the eggs hatch and the larvae travel through the bloodstream and can settle in any organ, including the liver, lungs, and eyes. The most common symptom of toxocariasis in humans is fever, but other symptoms can include cough, wheezing, rash, eye inflammation, and abdominal pain. In some cases, the larvae can cause severe damage to the organs they settle in, including blindness if they infect the eyes.
Treatment for toxocariasis generally involves medication to kill the larvae. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the larvae from the organs they have infected. It is important to practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection, including washing hands thoroughly after coming into contact with cats or other animals, and not eating soil or dirt.