Raccoon roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis) are parasites that live in the intestines of raccoons. These roundworms lay thousands of tiny eggs that
are spread in the environment wherever raccoons defecate (poop). If a person
touches raccoon droppings, or touches soil or surfaces where raccoon droppings
have been, they can get raccoon roundworm eggs on their hands. These eggs can
be transferred from contaminated hands to a personās mouth, and if they are
accidentally swallowed, can make a person very sick. Infection with raccoon
roundworms is rare, but it can lead to severe damage to the brain and
spinal cord, eyes, and other organs. Toddlers and young children are most
likely to become infected because children often put their hands in their
mouths and are more likely to accidentally eat dirt.