A rare disease transmitted through contact with raccoon feces has left a New York City teenager blind in one eye and an infant brain damaged.Parents should closely supervise small children in areas where raccoons live to prevent possible ingestion of raccoon feces.
Raccoons shed millions of the microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces. It takes about a month for newly deposited eggs to develop to the infective stage. The eggs can only develop into worms when they're in an animal's body, but the eggs are hardy and may survive for years in soil, sand, or water.The eggs of the raccoon roundworm are some of the most resistant parasites known. The outer covering is sticky and will stick to any type of surface. They are resistant to disinfectants and antiseptics and will continue to contaminate an area for a very long time.
Humans can contract this disease only through the ingestion or inhalation of the roundworm eggs. The presence of raccoons s not an imminent threat as far as exposure to this parasite, rather it is the presence of feces and contaminated nesting material.There have been very few reported cases of raccoon roundworm infection in humans, even though there are large populations of raccoons throughout the United States. This suggests that the risk of such a serious infection is remote. Nevertheless, information about the potential for severe illness is very important, especially for parents.
This disease is considered uncommon in humans, but it is probably more common than documented. The number of infected raccoons and the increased likelihood humans come into contact with raccoons and their feces makes me believe it may be more prevalent than thought. You can become infected by accidentally ingesting or inhaling infectious raccoon roundworm eggs. The eggs are passed in the raccoons stool and may contaminate surrounding soil or water. Hands can become contaminated through touching these areas, either through play or gardening.
