Los Angeles Health Officials Investigate 2 Human Infections of Raccoon Roundworm

LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles County public health officials said Tuesday they are investigating two human cases of a rare infection known as raccoon roundworm in the South Bay area. No details about the patients were released. The infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, can infect the human spinal cord, brain, and eyes, health officials said. “While Baylisascaris is rare in people and the risk to the general public is low at this time, it is concerning because a large number of raccoons live near people, and the infection rate in raccoons is likely high,” according to the county Department of Public Health. “The confirmed cases of this rare infection are an important reminder for all in Los Angeles County residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of disease from animals to people, also known as zoonotic disease.”...