Warning in Los Angeles as rare brain-infecting raccoon parasite is discovered in people

Our health is closely linked to the health of animals around us. Simple precautions like washing your hands regularly, avoiding direct contact with wild animals and their waste... can help keep our neighbourhoods and families safe and healthy.

Children, the elderly, pregnant people, those with weakened immune systems and people suffering from pica are at most risk of serious infection because these groups are more likely to put contaminated fingers, soil, objects, or even animal faeces into their mouths by mistake.

While health officials said the risk to public health is 'low' and 'rare', the agency said the discovery of cases is concerning because of the large number of raccoons living in close proximity to people.

The raccoon roundworm can lead to swelling of the brain, eyes and subsequent blindness. After being infected, symptoms can take up to a week or so to develop.

Read at Irish Independent