Rare disease spread by cats spotted in Britain

A painful skin-blistering illness spread by cats has been detected in Britain for the first time ever, MailOnline reports.

Until now, the rare cat-transmitted infection had never been seen outside of South America.

Three Brits were struck down with the fungus, suffering wounds and ulcers on their hands, wrist and arms.

Government health chiefs claim they all caught the fungal infection from the same cat, which had been rescued from Brazil — where the fungus is rife.

All three tested positive for sporotrichosis brasiliensis, just one type of the fungus.

A mother, daughter and male vet, none of whom were identified, were all scratched by the same cat.

Despite suffering cuts that left them seeking medical treatment, all three made a full recovery.

Symptoms begin with lesions or wounds near the part of the body exposed to the fungus.

The infection, which is usually mild, can also affect the eyes, lungs and bones and joints. In rare cases, it can affect the central nervous system.

Increased attention has been placed on fungal infections because of the hit HBO show ‘The Last of Us’, which sees infected people transform into zombies.

The World Health Organization says fungal infections are becoming a ‘major threat’ to public health as the changing climate makes environments more suitable for them.