Raccoons and the Baylisascaris Infection
Raccoons are hosts used by Baylisascaris roundworms to proliferate their reproductive process. Humans become accidental hosts and dogs can be used by the worms but only as secondary hosts. Typically, this roundworm completes its life cycle in the raccoon’s body. Ingestion of the roundworm egg by people can lead to a Baylisascaris infection. The infection is caused by ingestion of food or other substances that have been contaminated by raccoon droppings. Microscopic Baylisascaris roundworm eggs may be found in raccoon droppings.Effects of a Baylisascaris infection
Even though the disease is rare, it is quite aggressive and so steps should be taken to prevent it. Once the microscopic eggs have been ingested, they hatch and the worms travel through the body and eventually the worms hatch while still inside. If the worms get into organs, eyes or brain, the infection becomes severe and can even result in death. Fortunately, the infection cannot be transmitted from human to human.