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Two people in Los Angeles County are suffering from a rare parasitic infection known as “raccoon roundworm,” officials said.
The parasite, called Baylisascaris procyonis, was discovered in the South Bay, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This parasite can infect the brain, spinal cord, and eyes, causing eye disease and swelling of the brain.
Details regarding the two infected people, including their current condition, have not been disclosed.
At this time, the risk to the general public is low and transmission is rare. But the news remains concerning because raccoon infection rates are high and large numbers of raccoons live near people, officials said.
People can become infected if they ingest soil, dirt, water, or other materials contaminated with raccoon feces that may contain roundworm eggs. Infectious diseases cannot be passed from person to person.
Dogs and cats can also become infected if they come into contact with contaminated materials. Cats cannot transmit this disease, but dogs rarely do.
“Our health is inextricably linked to the health of the animals around us,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said in a news release. “Wash your hands regularly, avoid direct contact with wild animals and their waste, keep pets healthy, and prevent wild animals from hiding or living in or next to our homes or property. These simple precautions can help keep our neighborhoods and families safe and healthy.”
Adults over 65, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
Officials remind people to always wash their hands, be aware of zoonotic diseases, avoid animal bites and scratches, stay away from wild animals, remove animal waste, and remove dead wild animals. We encourage people not to touch animals, to handle food safely, and to keep pets safe.
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