A wholesome canine within the San Fernando Valley was discovered to be contaminated with a parasite generally present in L.A. County raccoons, in accordance with public well being officers.
Throughout a routine examination, veterinarians discovered Baylisascaris eggs within the canine’s system — the primary such formal report of raccoon roundworm in a canine in county historical past, in accordance with a Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being information launch.
In 2024, two South Bay residents have been sickened by the parasite, which may infect the mind, spinal wire and eyes and result in eye illness and swelling of the mind.
The Division of Public Well being mentioned that the chance to the general public was extraordinarily low, with fewer than 10 human circumstances reported in California since 1993.
Transmission most frequently happens when individuals or pets ingest meals or water contaminated with raccoon feces. The parasite’s eggs should be within the feces for 2 to 4 weeks earlier than they’ll trigger an infection, so officers urged fast cleanup of any raccoon feces utilizing gloves.
Younger youngsters, individuals with developmental disabilities, or individuals with the non-food consuming dysfunction, pica, are at highest danger, mentioned well being officers in an announcement, as a result of they could be extra more likely to put contaminated fingers, soil, objects, and even animal feces into their mouths by mistake.
Baylisascaris an infection can’t be unfold from individual to individual.
Signs in canine embody lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe circumstances, canine may expertise neurological points like lack of coordination, paralysis and seizures.
Officers have inspired individuals to all the time wash their fingers, pay attention to zoonotic illnesses, preserve distance from wildlife, take away animal waste discovered close to one’s residence and yard, keep away from lifeless wildlife, and maintain pets secure with routine veterinary care.
The contaminated canine was being handled, and no different infections had been reported as of Friday, the Division of Public Well being mentioned.
