With summer now finally here, Brits will be flocking all over the world to bask in some much-overdue sunshine.
But experts have now issued a stark warning about fatal ‘raccoon worms’ that are reportedly cropping up among numerous European vacation hotspots. The deadly parasite, known as Baylisascaris procyonis, can spread from these animals to humans, triggering comas, blindness and even death in the worst of cases.
As of July 29, public authorities in Belgium identified several raccoons in its southern Wallonia region carrying the roundworm, according to The Brussel Times. It’s apparently the first time this has occurred in Belgium, but the worm has previously been found in the US, Denmark, France, Germany and various other nations.
Annick Linden of Walloon Region’s Wildlife Health and Pathology Service, stated: “The risk of being contaminated is low, but the seriousness of contamination should not be overlooked.
“[…] You must not attract them because they are very greedy. You must not let them stay in your garden and defecate there.”
Right now, as many as 70,000 raccoons live in Belgium, with six people having reportedly tested positive for the animal-triggered illness. This includes three in the city of Bouillon, one in the Germany-bordering Raeren and two more in Luxembourg’s Érezée, and Aywaille.
Although these worms are often carried by raccoons, bears, badgers and even skunks can carry them too. As a result, Dr Gareth Nye – a senior lecturer at Chester Medical School – suggests it’s important to be wary around any wild animal.
In an exclusive interview, he told The Express: “Many cases of the raccoon worm have been reported across Europe over the last few decades and between 60-80% of raccoons will have the worms at some point. In many people the infection causes very little in the way of symptoms, particularly in those who have frequent contact such as zoo keepers or wildlife workers.
“In some, symptoms appear after an incubation period of one to four weeks and can lead to nausea and tiredness but can cause damage to the liver through enlargement, loss of coordination and lack of muscle strength and can even lead to blindness or a coma due to the parasites interaction with the brain in rare cases.”
While this may sound frightening, Dr Nye explained that catching this illness is extremely uncommon. In order to pick up the worms, you would need to be petting wild raccoons, handling their faeces or consuming the infectious eggs in food or water.
Most cases are therefore generally limited to children or anyone who puts dirt in their mouths accidentally, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, tourists shouldn’t be overly panicked when venturing to Belgium or anywhere with a handful of Baylisascaris procyonis cases this summer.
He went on: “It’s advised that you avoid feeding wild animals and keeping up with basic hand hygiene when you have been out and about in the woods/forests. Most people who pick up this infection come into contact with the infection faeces whilst clearing overgrown gardens for example or are children who exploring and lack the hand hygiene.
“Although it is uncommon to pick up the worms, you should remain cautious if you are in areas with high raccoon populations and you are in their natural habitats as it can be a serious health concern and treatment is not always effective.”
A Belgium Government spokesperson has been approached for further information.