Afraid of Typhus?

Hi all! I've got 2 beautiful dogs, one is 4 years old and the other one is a senior dog, 11 years old. They are up to date vaccinated and very well cared for. Today I went to my vet to buy something, and he was caring for a puppy. He asked me to not let the puppy fall off his table for a while, and I pet the puppy and it licked my hand. My vet then came back, wore gloves ( ! ) and told me that the puppy has Typhus. When I got home, I washed my hands very carefully and many times with normal soap, harder soap for dishes, warm water, antiseptic... The reason is that they say that the parvo virus for Typhus isn't killed by soap. Knowing how deadly this virus is, Im terrified of it being still on my hands ( even after washing so much ) and giving it to my dogs, especially to the old one. Considering Ive washed my hands so much and my dogs are both vaccinated, do you think we are safe? Thank you

Hello.  My understanding of Typhus spread between dogs, is that it happens indirectly, when a dog is bitten by an infected parasite such as a tick or a flea.  Might you have transferred an infected flea or tick between the two animals?  It is possible that the little one was already flead / tick treated before you handled it, and / or that your dog is well covered - your vet will know.   Supposing an infected flea was on the puppy, it may have been unlikely to want to jump onto you.  However, this can theoretically happen - and thereby onto your dog.  Your vets will know about the flea status of both dogs and will have researched a lot about Typhus by now.  They will also have considered today's exact circumstances.  Thus far they have contacted you and explained what has happened, so they seem keen to do the right thing by everyone.  They sound likely to be the most reliable form of information for you.

Ps could I clarify which country you are in?

I am in Greece. Theres no way I brought home a flea, I didnt put the puppy near my clothes, only my hand. And yes the vet told me that they had already cleaned the fleas off the puppy. The thing is that I read on the internet that parvo virus ( =typhus ) is transmitted through dog saliva and stool and this virus doesnt get killed easily, not even by soap, alcohol... And the dog licked my hand so I got its saliva on my hand. I washed my hands so well with everything, but what if it didnt go away?

Oh no!  My apologies - I havent heard Parvovirus described as canine Typhus and initially thought you had made a mistake with that rather than me!  Yes, Parvovirus does spread easily and this is much more of a concern. It sounds as though you took all the precautions you could think of once you were aware that the dog might be carrying Parvovirus - and it sounds as though the vet called you as soon as they were aware.  Yes, a scrub such as surgical scrub would be safer for washing your hands.  The Virus does persist in the environment, on clothing etc.  When dogs with Parvovirus are hospitalised in the UK, it is standard to practise barrier nursing; staff and owners go through a footbath, wear protective clothing to avoid their own clothing becoming contaminated and wash thoroughly on the way out; it is very easily spread.  The question now is, will your older dog catch Parvo?  Well, it's not a given.  First, Parvo often targets animals with a weakened immune system, which is why it is so common in puppies and old dogs.  Your dog as far as I know is healthy. Are they also vaccinated?  This will also provide immunity.  It is possibly that your dog meets Parvovirus without you knowing it in the environment sometimes.  Another point in your dogs favour is that you are aware of the contact and will be monioring for clinical signs, so if vomitting or diarrhoea were to start then you would have them on a drip very quickly.  Has your vet suggested anything else?   Wishing you all the best with this extremely unlucky scenario.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me such a detailed reply. Yes, of course they are fully vaccinated, and we had their " yearly memory shot " one month ago. Fortunately the incubation period is very short ( 5-7 days only ) so I suppose my agone will end soon hah

I feel much better for knowing that your dog is properly vaccinated.  You would have to be unlucky to have problems, I think.  Best of luck!

Thank you wishing you a beautiful life