A rare parasitic infection called the raccoon roundworm has been confirmed in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Two people have been shot in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. Diagnosis of infectionBaylisascaris procyonis, caused by a parasitic worm found in the intestines of raccoons.
The health department warned that when this parasite infects humans, it can affect the brain, spinal cord and eyes, causing brain swelling and eye disease.
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After maturing Raccoon intestinesAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), worms lay eggs, which are passed out in the animal’s feces.
A rare parasitic infection called the raccoon roundworm has been confirmed in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (iStock)
The eggs become infective after two to four weeks. The eggs can survive for years under the right conditions.
“In addition to its natural host, the raccoon, some accidentally infected species include Domestic dogs “This virus can also spread to humans and other people,” Canada-based certified infection control physician Erica Suski told Fox News Digital.
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“Roundworms infect new hosts through the ingestion of the infective larval stage, either through eating an infected host or through ingestion of contaminated feces in the environment.”
Although it’s rare, according to the CDC, infection can occur when people accidentally ingest roundworm eggs (which are in raccoon feces) from soil, water or contaminated objects.
The health department warns that when this parasite infects humans, it can potentially cause eye disease. (iStock)
small children The CDC warns that people with disabilities are most at risk because they are more likely to accidentally put contaminated fingers, soil, or objects in their mouths.
This infection cannot spread between people.
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The LA Health Department said, “Although bayiscaris is rare in people and the risk to the general public is low at this time, it is concerning because large numbers of raccoons live around people, and infection rates in raccoons are likely high.”
The parasite is present in the U.S. and Canada, though it’s more common in southern latitudes, the Northeast, the Midwest and the West Coast, Suski said.
“This is concerning, because a large number of raccoons live around people, and the rate of infection in raccoons is likely high.”
The CDC reports that fewer than 25 cases of raccoon roundworm have been reported in the U.S., but that number could be higher because of misdiagnosis or other reasons. Lack of diagnosis,
As of 2018, there had been 23 confirmed cases in the country and six deaths.
Symptoms of Raccoon Roundworms
The effects of raccoon roundworms can vary depending on the amount of eggs ingested and where they travel in the body.
“Some of the people infected had no symptoms at all, which is called subclinical infection,” Suski said.
Health experts warn that brain inflammation is an adverse effect of raccoon roundworm. (iStock)
According to the CDC, high numbers of eggs can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, an enlarged liver, loss of muscle control, lack of coordination, blindness, coma and inability to pay attention to people and the surrounding environment.
People most at risk of severe illness include children and adults age 65 and older. pregnant women The agency has warned that people with weakened immune systems may also be at risk of infection.
Preventing Infection
Studies show that up to 60% of infectious diseases in humans come from animals.
“Our health is closely linked to the health of the animals around us,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis in the press release.
“Our health is closely linked to the health of the animals around us.”
“Simple precautions such as washing your hands regularly, avoiding direct contact with wild animals and their feces, keeping pets healthy, and preventing wildlife from living or seeking shelter in or around our homes or properties can help keep our neighborhoods and families healthy. safe and sounds,
According to Suski, the best method of prevention is to avoid contact with wild animals or birds whenever possible, even dead animals.
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“One way to do that is to make sure open attics and crawl spaces are closed, which eliminates potential hiding places,” he said.
People are advised to keep pets indoors when possible, and to keep them on a leash when outside.
This infection is caused by Baylisascaris procyonis, a parasitic worm found in the intestines of raccoons. (iStock)
“If pets go outside, take them to the vet regularly to find out if deworming is necessary and how often, and seek vet treatment if the pet becomes sick,” Suski recommends.
Washing hands is particularly important, he said, because eggs can unknowingly survive in soil and water.
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“Infection prevention is always good Washing hands “We should do this more often — for example, before preparing food or after contact with animals,” Suski said.
“And if a person is spending time outside, they should wash their hands after completing their outdoor activities.”
Experts say handwashing is especially important for prevention, since eggs can inadvertently be passed into soil and water. (iStock)
Suski recommended that adults should remind children to wash their hands after playing outside, as they are at a higher risk of accidentally swallowing mud and water.
“For this reason, keep sandboxes covered when not in use to prevent animals from using the sandbox to defecate or urinate,” he added.
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Fox News Digital contacted Los Angeles County Public Health Department.
