Los Angeles County health officials are warning the public to take precautions around wildlife. The warning comes after the discovery in the Southland of two human cases of a rare parasitic infection called Baylisascaris procyonis or raccoon roundworm. The parasite lives in the intestines of raccoons but doesn’t make them sick. This is not the case for humans.
The Baylisascaris parasite can infect the spinal cord, brain, and eyes, leading to brain swelling and eye disease in humans. Although it is rare, officials are concerned due to the large number of raccoons in our communities.
“Our health is closely linked to the health of animals around us,” Dr. Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a news release. “Simple precautions, like washing your hands regularly, avoiding direct contact with wild animals and their waste, keeping pets healthy, and preventing wildlife from sheltering or living in or next to our homes or properties can help keep our neighborhoods and families safe and healthy.”
More information here
