News: Europe is on alert after a new study revealed the raccoon roundworm has firmly taken hold in wild raccoons across nine countries, with Germany at the epicentre.
About Raccoon Roundworm
- It is a parasitic worm found in raccoon intestinal tract.
- Scientific name:Baylisascaris procyconis, (family Ascarididae)
- Affected Region: It affects raccoon populations in parts of North America, Europe, and Japan, with occasional occurrences reported in South America.
- Species
- Baylisascaris procyonis is the species most commonly associated with human infection and is found in raccoons.
- Baylisascaris columnaris is found in skunks and is less commonly associated with human disease.
- Baylisascaris procyonis poses the greatest risk to humans due to frequent contact between raccoons and human environments.
- Life Cycle:
- Infected raccoons shed millions of eggs daily in their feces. Under warm and moist conditions, the eggs become infectious within 11–14 days.
- Raccoons, especially young ones, become infected by accidentally swallowing eggs from contaminated soil, vegetation, or their mother’s fur.
- Intermediate hosts become infected by ingesting embryonated eggs.
- The larvae hatch, migrate through organs such as the liver and lungs, and settle in body tissues.
- When a raccoon eats an infected intermediate host, the larvae develop into adult worms in the raccoon’s intestine.
- Transmission: The infection can affect humans and animals, including dogs.
- Humans become infected by ingesting embryonated eggs. The larvae hatch and migrate through body tissues, commonly reaching the eyes and brain, where they can cause severe disease.
- Symptoms
- Infected individuals may experience nausea and general fatigue. The infection can cause enlargement of the liver.
- Larval migration to the brain may result in loss of coordination and muscle control.
- Eye involvement may lead to partial or complete blindness.
- Severe infections can progress to coma.
- Prevention
- Raccoon roundworm eggs become infectious two to four weeks after being passed in feces.
- Prompt removal and proper disposal of raccoon feces can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
- Surfaces contaminated with raccoon feces should be treated with boiling water or a propane flame device using appropriate safety measures.
- Wild animals, including raccoons, should not be kept, fed, or adopted as pets.
- Washing hands after outdoor activities helps prevent Baylisascaris infection and other diseases.
