A rare parasitic infection known as raccoon roundworm has been confirmed in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Two people in the South Bay area of ​​Los Angeles County have been diagnosed with Baylisascaris procyonis, a parasitic worm found in the intestines of raccoons.
Health officials warned that when the parasite infects humans it can affect the brain, spinal cord and eyes, causing brain swelling and eye disease.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the parasite develops inside the raccoon’s intestines and then lays eggs, which are excreted in the animal’s feces.
A rare parasitic infection known as raccoon roundworm has been confirmed in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (iStock)
After 2-4 weeks, the eggs become infective, and under the right conditions they can remain viable for many years.
“Beyond the natural host, raccoons, other animals that may become accidentally infected include pet dogs and humans,” Erica Suski, a Canada-based certified infection control specialist, told Fox News Digital.
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“Roundworms ingest the infective larval stage and infect new hosts by eating an infected host or by ingesting contaminated excreta in the environment.”
Although rare, people can become infected if they accidentally ingest roundworm eggs (which are present in raccoon feces) from soil, water, or contaminated objects, according to the CDC.


Health officials warned that the parasite could infect humans and cause eye disease. (iStock)
The CDC warned that young children and those with developmental disabilities are most at risk because they are more likely to accidentally put contaminated fingers, soil or objects in their mouths.
This infection is not transmitted from person to person.
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“Although raccoon disease is rare in humans and the risk to the general public is low at this time, there is concern due to the large number of raccoons living in close proximity to humans and the likelihood of infection being high in raccoons,” the Los Angeles Department of Health said.
Susky noted that the parasite is present in the U.S. and Canada, but is more common in southern latitudes, the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast.
“This is of concern because many raccoons live in close proximity to humans and so the infection rates in raccoons are likely high.”
According to the CDC, there have been fewer than 25 reported cases of raccoon roundworm in the United States, but the number of cases may be higher due to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
As of 2018, 23 cases have been confirmed in Japan, with six deaths.
Raccoon roundworm symptoms
The effects of raccoon roundworms may vary depending on the amount of eggs ingested and where they travel in the body.
“Some infected people may not show symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic infection,” Suski said.


Health experts warn that one of the adverse effects of raccoon roundworms is brain swelling. (iStock)
According to the CDC, an increased number of eggs can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, enlarged liver, loss of muscle control, loss of coordination, blindness, coma, and lack of awareness of people and surroundings.
The agency warned that those most at risk of severe illness are children, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Prevention of infection
Studies suggest that up to 60% of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals.
“Our health is inextricably linked to the health of the animals around us,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a press release.
“Our health is intimately linked to the health of the animals around us.”
“Simple precautions like washing your hands regularly, avoiding direct contact with wild animals and their waste, keeping pets healthy and preventing wild animals from hiding or taking up residence in or around our homes and properties can help keep our neighborhoods and families safe and healthy.”
The best prevention, Susky said, is to avoid contact with wild animals and birds whenever possible, including dead ones.
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“One way to achieve this is to always keep attics and crawl spaces closed off to eliminate potential hiding places,” she said.
People are encouraged to keep pets indoors whenever possible and on a lead when outdoors.


The infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, is caused by a parasitic worm that lives in the raccoon’s intestinal tract. (iStock)
“When you take your pet outside, have them dewormed regularly or take them to the vet frequently to see if and how often they need to be dewormed, and seek veterinary treatment if they become ill,” Suski recommended.
Hand washing is especially important because eggs can inadvertently get into soil or water, she said.
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“For example, washing your hands frequently before preparing food or after coming into contact with animals is always an effective way to prevent infection,” Suski added.
“And if you spend time outdoors, you should wash your hands after completing your outdoor activities.”


Experts say hand washing is especially important for prevention, as eggs can accidentally get into soil or water. (iStock)
Because children are at higher risk of accidentally ingesting soil or water, adults should remind them to wash their hands after playing outside, Suski advised.
“For this reason, sandboxes should be covered when not in use to prevent animals from using them to defecate or urinate,” she added.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.