Raccoons can carry dangerous diseases.
Adult raccoons grow to only about 3 feet long and have soft, bushy tails, but their gentle appearance is sometimes misleading. Raccoons, who live primarily in forested areas, often are hosts for dangerous diseases, which can cause extreme illness if transferred to humans.
Acquisition
Raccoons acquire diseases in a variety of ways. One of the most common illnesses raccoons experience is the parasitic ringworm, which raccoons acquire by eating ringworms or their eggs. Other diseases, such as rabies, are transmitted through the bite of another animal. The rabies virus is one of the most common afflictions of raccoons and can be acquired quickly if even scratched by an infected animal.
Transference
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management explains that "raccoons expose humans to disease when handled or if there is exposure to bodily secretions or feces. Saliva, urine, feces and bites or scratches are the most common routes of exposure." Humans who come in contact with a diseased raccoon's habitat also can be exposed, since raccoons can contaminate dirt and water. Any object the raccoon has come in contact with can become a carrier for disease.
Types
Raccoons can transmit rabies, roundworm, giardiasis, leptospirosis, salmonella, E. coli, fungus and various parasites. Some diseases, such as rabies, manifest visible symptoms in the raccoon, such as violent behavior. Others might not be noticeable, even though the raccoon is very ill.
Treatment
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says that if a person is bitten or scratched by a raccoon, the wound should be immediately cleaned using soap and water and the victim's health provider contacted. If a human is bitten by a raccoon carrying rabies, a series of vaccines will be administered. Other diseases, such as leptospirosis, do not currently have a vaccine, so infected humans are treated with antibiotics and monitored by a physician.
Prevention
Use gloves and wear a mask while handling raccoons or their excrement. Discard gloves after use and thoroughly wash your hands using soap and warm water. Avoid the raccoons feces and its habitat. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says that parents should also "routinely encourage or assist your children to wash their hands after playing outdoors. Unfortunately, raccoon roundworm eggs can remain alive in soil and other places for several months." It also advises homeowners lock pet doors at night to prevent raccoons from gaining indoor access.
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