Are Raccoons a Health Risk?
The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) is a parasite you need to be concerned with if you have raccoons around or in your home.
The raccoon roundworm infects the intestinal tract of raccoons. For the most part raccoons suffer from few problems from the parasite. However this roundworm can infect up to 50 different species of animals which includes humans. Raccoon roundworm only develops normally inside of raccoons. When the roundworm infects something other than a raccoon the parasite cannot mature past the larval stage. When the larvae cannot mature, they leave the digestive tract and can spread throughout the host. Often the worms migrate into nervous system tissue or even the eyeballs. The roundworms typically damage the host tissue where they migrate. Brain/nervous system damage and blindness is common in hosts. If the infection is severe death can occur.
Adult roundworms release millions of eggs per day. The raccoon spreads this nasty parasite when defecating. The roundworm eggs can remain viable for years and when dried can behave like dust which makes it possible to be infected by inhaling the eggs. Raccoons are latrine animals, which means they repeatedly relieve themselves in the same places over and over again. Often these raccoon latrines are on roof tops, in attics, or at the base of a tree.
The best way to avoid being infected by raccoon roundworm is to stay clear of areas with
raccoon activity and to practice good hygiene. Small children are most susceptible to raccoon roundworm because they place objects and hands in their mouths. Cleanup of raccoon damage and waste can be bio-hazardous and precautions need to be put in place.
