Whenever you are outside, whether it be doing chores around your home or hiking at a national park, you should be mindful of sanitation. This is especially important when wild animals roam around your home or tourist location. There are some very nasty infections that people can get from wild animals, and one particular, rare infection that I will inform you all about is baylisascaris.
General Description:
Baylisascaris is an infection caused by the Baylisascaris procyonis roundworm. This parasite commonly infects raccoons, which is why the parasite is commonly known as the raccoon roundworm. There are other strains of this parasite, but the strain mentioned above is the one that poses the greatest threat to humans since raccoons have a habit of frequenting human locations.
Locations:
The Baylisascaris parasite has been identified in the United States, Europe, Japan, and recently in South America, specifically areas with a high density of raccoons.
Infection Method:
Baylisascaris enters the human body through ingestion of the parasite eggs found in objects contaminated with raccoon feces. Once the eggs hatch, the parasites make their way out of the intestines, travel through the bloodstream, and reach the blood vessels in the eyes and brain where they cause the most damage. While they are growing, they damage tissue in the eyes, muscles, and brain. The infection is not contagious from person to person.
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| Baylisascaris larvae |
Baylisascaris infection severity depends on the amount of eggs ingested. A small amount may not show any symptoms, while a large amount could be lethal. Some symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Blindness
- Liver enlargement
- Loss of muscle control
- Neurologic defects
- Coma
- Death
Treatment:
There is not definite diagnosis or treatment of this infection because Baylisascaris is usually diagnosed too late. Some anti-parasitic drugs can be used, but neurologic damage will still progress as the medications are given too late.
There is not definite diagnosis or treatment of this infection because Baylisascaris is usually diagnosed too late. Some anti-parasitic drugs can be used, but neurologic damage will still progress as the medications are given too late.
Final Thoughts:
There has only been about 25 documented cases of Baylisascaris and maybe less than a hundred overall. This infection is rare, but what makes it dangerous is the fact that it is difficult to diagnose. I recommend that if you live in or travel to a location in the United States, Europe, Japan, or South America, watch out for raccoons or locations where raccoon feces is present. If you have kids or pets, do not let them play in dirt or water that may be frequented by raccoons. Also, do not allow raccoons to frequent your home too much. If you suspect that you may be infected, go to a medical clinic early so you can be diagnosed early before complications occur.
There has only been about 25 documented cases of Baylisascaris and maybe less than a hundred overall. This infection is rare, but what makes it dangerous is the fact that it is difficult to diagnose. I recommend that if you live in or travel to a location in the United States, Europe, Japan, or South America, watch out for raccoons or locations where raccoon feces is present. If you have kids or pets, do not let them play in dirt or water that may be frequented by raccoons. Also, do not allow raccoons to frequent your home too much. If you suspect that you may be infected, go to a medical clinic early so you can be diagnosed early before complications occur.
As long as you stay away from raccoons and follow sanitary guidelines, this infection should not be a big problem that should deter you from traveling to the locations mentioned.
I hope you all found this information useful! Comment any other information you think everyone should know or share an experience! Also, comment if you have recommendations of infections people should know about and I will consider them for future posts!
References:
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