The fungus is transferred from cats to humans by infected hairs. Humans can be infected just by touching the hairs in the environment. The infectious spores can remain in the environment for up to 18 months. A shampoo should disinfect the hair on the cat, and a thorough vacuuming should get rid of infected hairs in the environment. Long haired cats might have to be clipped to get rid of the fungus.
Ringworm is a serious problem in places with multiple cats.
Until a vaccination is created, which Fortney says researchers are working on, the best prevention is a sanitary environment and aggressive treatment of all ringworm cases, but this still does not guarantee a ringworm-free environment.