Family Forum / Parenting / Children's Health / October 2005

Personally I think the fish are at greater risk from the kids particularly
if they fall in! Some people believe that the rise in Asthma and allergy
rates is due to our lack of exposure to dirt when young. eg our grandparents
had lower rates because they were exposed to more dirt as children.

Google found this advice to people with AIDSHIV (they have a lowered immune
system.)...

http://www.mspca.org/site/pp.asp?c=gtIUK4OSG&b=126849

"About Aquarium Fish
Aquarium fish can occasionally be the source of infectious diseases.
Mycobacterial infections (a type of tuberculosis) can be transmitted by
aquarium fish and some skin infections can be spread by contact with
infected aquarium water.
What can I do to reduce my risk if I decide to keep aquarium fish?
Wear gloves when cleaning an aquarium or when handling fish. Fish suspected
of having Mycobacterium or any fish showing unusual lumps should be removed
from the tank, and the aquarium should be disinfected before new fish are
introduced. Follow the general guidelines in this brochure."

But on the other hand....

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/mcdis3.htmlJanssen

Nonindigenous Diseases and Parasites in Freshwater Systems
Nonindigenous Diseases of Humans
<snip>
"Our literature searches revealed no evidence of an infection of a human by
freshwater aquarium fishes in Florida. Saltwater aquariums have been
implicated as a vector in infections of humans with the bacteria
Mycobacterium marinum (Adams et al. 1970, Black et al. 1971, Kelly 1976, and
Wilson 1976)."