Raccoon Roundworm Infection

Infection caused  by raccoon roundworm is also called Baylisascaris. The species commonly found in raccoonsis Baylisascaris procyonis. When infective eggs of this roundworm are ingested by humans, Baylisascaris larvae hatch in the intestine and travel through the organs and muscles. This is the larva migrans syndrome. Infected raccoons shed millions of eggs in their feces.

The signs and symptoms of Baylisascaris infection depend on how many eggs are ingested and where in the body the larvae travel to. No effective cure is available. To prevent infection, avoid direct contact with raccoons, especially their feces. Do not keep, feed, or adopt raccoons as pets! Raccoons are wild animals.

In Brazil, it has been surveyed that 28%-49% of population in the country is highly infected from the infected B. procyonis eggs. This will lead to approx. 10-14 % of the population to get into major disastrous situation. but it is thought that some cases are misdiagnosed as other infections or are never identified.