Can gill flukes & other parasites be harmful to human?

Question
Hi Karen,

I had asked Dave a question and the answer he gave me contrasted with the guy at my LFS.  I'm grateful for both answers and for all the help anyone can give me.

I think, and a worker at my LFS concurred, that my fish have flukes.  I was wondering if flukes can be transferred to humans?  I know that tuberculosis can be harmful to human, but what about flukes and other external parasites?

And I have one more question.  One of my Twin Bar platys in a 15 gallon tank, overnight, seemed to have developed a wound on her mouth.  I think her entire lower lip is missing.  She was the "newcomer" to the group, over 2 months ago, but sometimes she still gets picked on by the "gang."  I keep a pretty close eye on my fish and am very conscientious about daily water change.  Now she has trouble eating since she can't grab at the food as fast as the other fish so I separated her into a 3 gallon tank by herself and added a little extra salt, total 10ml, a little over 3 teaspoons for the 3 gallon.  At feeding time, she is able to grab at the dried blood worm but not the flakes, and she has become lethargic.  What should I do?  I'm afraid she will develop mouth fungus, but should I wait until she does have it to treat it?  Is there a preventative method?

Thank you in advance.
Sharon

Answer
Hi Sharon,
To my best knowledge, flukes and other fish illnesses (besides Tuberculosis) are not harmful to humans or transmittable. You are safe fortunately.

As for the injured platy, I think you are doing your best. Frozen worms would probably be easier for her to eat and chew. Just keep up the water changes to try to prevent bacteria and fungus infections.
The salt is also good as well...

Best of luck!!
Karen~