September 28, 15:00
2 residents of the American unit. California discovered baylysascariasis, a disease caused by ringed worms, or “raccoon roundworms,” informs Los Angeles Times.
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According to the Los Angeles Department of Health, Baylisascaris procyonis identified in the South Bay. The length of these parasites is 23 cm and they usually live in the intestines of raccoons. Approximately 5% of the larvae that end up in the human body end up in the brain and devour it.
They can also get into the eyes and spinal cord, damaging the central nervous system. The local government did not provide information about those infected and their current condition. Although people are rarely affected by this disease, in California large numbers of raccoons live near residential buildings, which increases the likelihood of infection.
As specified, infection occurs due to ingested soil, water or substances with raccoon excrement. The disease is not transmitted between people.
The California government has asked citizens to wash their hands well, avoid interacting with wildlife and keeping pets away from them. As noted, people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, children and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to become infected.
