(KTLA) — A rare parasitic infection that is linked to raccoons has been detected in two people in Southern California, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced.
Baylisascaris procyonis is a type of parasite that lives in the intestines of raccoons. It does not make them sick, but their feces can carry the parasite’s eggs.
The two cases of the disease, also known as raccoon roundworm, were detected in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, officials said.
“While Baylisascaris is rare in people and the risk to the general public is low at this time, it is concerning because a large number of raccoons live near people, and the infection rate in raccoons is likely high,” the public health department said in a release issued Tuesday.
In humans, the parasite can infect the spinal cord, brain and eyes, and it can lead to swelling of the brain and eye disease, officials said.
Symptoms may include nausea, tiredness, liver enlargement, loss of coordination, loss of muscle control, blindness and coma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People can become infected with raccoon roundworm if they eat soil, dirt or material contaminated with infected raccoon feces. The infection can also be contracted through contaminated water.
“Young children and developmentally disabled persons are at highest risk for infection as they may be more likely to put contaminated fingers, soil, objects or even animal feces into their mouths by mistake,” health officials said, adding that those with pica — an eating disorder in which a person eats things usually not considered food — are also among those most at risk.
While uncommon, dogs and cats can become infected if they consume raccoon feces or contaminated substances, according to the public health department. However, cats infected with the parasite are unable to spread it through their feces, and dogs rarely do so.
The disease also cannot be transmitted from human to human, health officials said.
In the release issued Tuesday, Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said simple precautions can be taken by humans to avoid getting raccoon roundworm.
“Our health is closely linked to the health of animals around us,” Davis said. “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.”
For more information on raccoon roundworm, including precautions you can take, click here.