Question
Hi, I was pulling weeds from under my evergreens when I noticed large piles of I think racoon feces. We have had then in our yard and it looks like what I saw in the photos.  I was under there for about 10 minutes and i pushed away some of the feces with a stick but otherwise didn't touch anything. I also had gloves on. Would I be able to catch any disease from the feces just by being close to it for a short time while pulling weeds. Now I am concerned after I read what they can carry. thanks,  Danita..

Answer
Communicable Disease Control Unit Information

Raccoon Roundworms and Human Disease

What is it?
How can the roundworm cause human disease?
What is my risk?
How can I get infected
How can I prevent infection

What should I do if I may have been exposed?

What is it?

Baylisascaris procyonis is the roundworm parasite of raccoons. It is carried harmlessly in their intestinal tract, and is transmitted as immature eggs in their stool. Young raccoons become infected by swallowing eggs that are in contaminated areas around their den. Adult raccoons become infected by eating small animals (rodents, rabbits) or birds that have encysted larvae in their tissue. The eggs do not become infectious until 3 - 4 weeks after they are passed in the stool of an infected raccoon. It is unknown how many raccoons carry this infection, but it has been found in most latrines (areas with large amount of raccoon stool) that were examined on the peninsula area.

How can the roundworm cause human disease?

If humans accidentally swallow animal roundworm eggs, the eggs may hatch in the intestinal tract and release larvae. The larvae go through the intestinal wall and migrate through tissue and organs. The parasite does not develop into an adult roundworm or produce eggs in humans. This disease is called Visceral Larval Migrans (VLM). Most people with this disease got it from consuming dog or cat roundworm eggs. The CDC estimates that there are 4000 to 10,000 people in the US that become infected with animal roundworms each year, most from the dog and cat speices of roundworm. Infections with the raccoon roundworm are very rare, with only about a dozen cases known throughout the country.

The disease from the raccoon roundworm is more severe since this larvae is larger and migrates more aggressively than the species that infect dogs and cats. In humans, the larvae can cause significant destruction during their migration, often damaging the brain or eyes. Symptoms of human infection include drowsiness, confusion, loss of muscle coordination, decreased head control, blindness or even death. The severity and progression of the disease depends on how many larvae are in the body and where they migrate to.

You can become infected by accidentally ingesting or inhaling infectious raccoon roundworm eggs. The eggs are passed in the raccoons stool and may contaminate surrounding soil or water. Hands can become contaminated through touching these areas, either through play or gardening.

Infected raccoons can shed millions of eggs per day, and these eggs survive in the enviroment for months or years. The microscopic egg has a thick outer shell that protects it in the enviroment and makes it difficult to destroy. The eggs are not visible to the naked eye, so it is not possible to tell exactly what areas are contaminated. Precautions must be taken in all areas where there has been heavy raccoon activity, especially if latrines are seen.

How can I prevent infection?

Small children are at most risk since they may put almost anything into their mouths. Typically, raccoons defecate in areas called latrines - often in raised areas with fallen timber, where firewoood is stored, near patio decks, in attics and garages, or in other areas next to yards and gardens. Raccoons do not bury their stool. There generally are several stools clustered together in a pile. The number of eggs in these areas can be very high. Individuals should learn to recognize raccoon latrine aeas and not allow their children to play in or near them. Adults should be make sure children do not put dirty hands or any non-food objects in their mouths when outside. Gardeners should wear gloves while working with soil. Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly after playing or working in areas were raccoons may have been. By following a few common sense rules and good hygiene, the chances of becoming infected with the parasite can be effectively limited



Here is a web link for more information. http://nwco.net/044-WildlifeDiseases/4-2-RaccoonRoundworm.asp