diseases to humans

Question
I've tried to look for information on rabbit to human dieases and have been unsuccessful,I am desprate for answers.Me and my son have been sick ever since I found a rabbit (as a animal lover I was scared to live it alone in fear a cat would kill it). It was a baby grey one unlike the normal brown ones seen around.I found it a home threw the paper and cannot find the womans # to find out how its doing.So if possible could you please give us some ideals to have our doctor check out?      thank-you!!!!!!                   Some of our sympthoms include :trouble breathing,chest pain,nasal and sinus congestion,head aches,and irritability.Agian thanks alot!!!

Answer
Dear Shannon,

There are no known viral or bacterial diseases that can be transferred from a rabbit to a human.  The only thing I know that can be shared between a human and rabbit is ringworm fungus infection (usually Microsporum sp.), but it's actually more common for a human to give it to a rabbit than vice-versa.

I really doubt that the bunny was responsible for your ills.  But if you have a gas heater, you might want to have someone check whether or not carbon monoxide is a problem in your house.  Some of the symptoms you describe are consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal if the CO builds up to significant levels in your house.  If your problems started only this winter, when you started using the heater, I would seriously look into this.

Good luck.

Dana