Raccoons spread viruses, parasites and bacteria to humans.
Raccoons often easily make their way into city and suburban life. Not only are they getting into your trashcans at night, but they are posing a potential health hazard to you and your family. Raccoons carry infectious diseases that can spread to humans through handling of the animal, bites or scratches from the wild creature and even contact with its bodily secretions or feces.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that can be carried by a raccoon and passed on to a human when that person is bitten by an infected animal. If the saliva of the sick animal enters an open wound, you can also contract the disease, though this is very uncommon. Rabies is nearly always fatal, so if you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, you should immediately be examined by a health care provider. A rabies vaccination can be given shortly after exposure to prevent infection. Raccoons can also pass rabies along to your pets, so make sure to contact your veterinarian if your pet is bit by a raccoon.
Raccoon Roundworm
Raccoon roundworm, also known as baylisascaris or raccoon ascarid, is passed on to humans and other animals through the roundworm eggs in the animal's feces. When these eggs are accidentally ingested through water or soil, you can catch the parasite. Lack of coordination, fatigue, blindness and coma are all symptoms of raccoon roundworm. If you believe you have inadvertently swallowed raccoon feces, see a health care provider immediately. Raccoon roundworm is rare in humans, but serious. When treated early, infection can be prevented.
Giardiasis
Giardiasis is an infection caused by a parasite carried by raccoons. It is transmitted to humans when they accidentally swallow water or soil contaminated by raccoon feces. If you become infected, you will develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. Your health care provider can provide you with medication to treat the infection.
Leptospira Bacteria
Raccoons carry leptospira bacteria in their urine. If water polluted with this urine comes into contact with your skin, nose, mouth, throat, eyes or is ingested, you can be infected with leptospirosis. This disease causes flu-like symptoms, such as severe headache, muscles aches and high fever. It can also cause serious liver and kidney problems. Antibiotics are used to treat the disease. Leptospirosis can also be passed from raccoons to other animals. Dogs, in particular, are at risk and can die from the disease.
Tags: care provider, health care, health care provider, contact with, other animals, raccoon feces
