Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / January 2005

Here's something to read:
http://www.pethealthcare.net/html/body_feline_roundworm_infection.html

Are roundworms a danger to me or my family?

Roundworms can be a health risk for humans.  The most common source of human
infection is by ingesting eggs which have come from soil contaminated with
cat (or dog) feces.

As many as 10,000 cases of roundworm infection in humans have been reported
in one year in the United States.  Children, in particular, are at risk for
health problems should they become infected.  A variety of organs may be
affected as the larvae migrate through the body.  In suitable environments,
the eggs may remain infective to humans (and to cats) for years.

-From what I remember of a parasite seminar last year (I manage an animal
hospital, I am not a vet) the human case studies proved the ingestion of the
larvae to have come from the wild, from racoon feces IIRC. One toddler had a
habit of licking the wood brought in for the fireplace. Another was at a day
care center in California where they have a HUGE problem with racoons.
Racoons defecate on horizontal surfaces like flat roofs and chords of wood,
decks etc... In the day care, a rain had flushed the feces off the roof onto
the play yard. One child in particular had had a habit of eating dirt. I
know - yuck. As a result the center had to dig up several inches of their
play surface and maybe burn some areas. I would guess if you wash hands, and
clean surfaces well that you might touch and then transfer fingers to mouth,
you should be okay. *I would suggest calling your local health department*
and asking them what they would suggest, especially if there are children in
your household - at least for your own peace of mind.

-Sharon