What diseases do raccoons carry?

Raccoons can carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Some of the most common diseases associated with raccoons include:

Rabies: Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite. Rabies is preventable through vaccination, but if left untreated, it is almost always fatal.

Roundworm: Roundworms are parasitic worms that can live in the intestines of raccoons and other animals. They can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated soil or water. Roundworm infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Baylisascaris: Baylisascaris is a type of roundworm that can cause a rare but serious infection in humans known as raccoon roundworm disease. This infection can cause severe damage to the brain and other organs, and can even be fatal. Baylisascaris is transmitted through contact with raccoon feces or soil contaminated with raccoon feces.

Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both humans and animals. It is transmitted through contact with urine or other bodily fluids from infected animals. Leptospirosis can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Tularemia: Tularemia is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated soil or water. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Giardia: Giardia is a protozoan parasite that can cause giardiasis, a diarrheal disease. It can be transmitted through contact with contaminated water or food.

Cryptosporidium: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that can cause cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease. It can be transmitted through contact with contaminated water or food.

Toxoplasma gondii: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis. This infection can be particularly harmful to pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

It is important to take precautions to avoid contact with raccoons and their feces to reduce the risk of infection with these diseases. If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, or if you come into contact with raccoon feces, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.