Rare Roundworm Infection Suspected In Toddler From King County

SEATTLE, WA - The King County health department is reporting that a toddler in King County may have contracted roundworm, an extremely rare, and potentially deadly, parasite. The toddler may have contracted roundworm after ingesting dirt - or possibly raccoon droppings - infested with roundworm eggs. If tests come back positive, this would be the first case of human roundworm in Washington state, and only the 30th U.S. case since 1973.

Humans most commonly come into contact with roundworm by ingesting raccoon feces. Risk of infection is higher in young children because they often play in the dirt and frequently put their hands in their mouth, according to King County.

To prevent roundworm infection, the county recommends taking the following precautions:

• Don’t leave human or pet food out where raccoons can get to it, and keep your garbage storage secure.
• Close off any possible entrances to your attic or under your house or decks and cover sandboxes.
• Remove bird feeders and fish ponds as they attract raccoons.

Roundworm infections are extremely common in dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens. To learn more about roundworm and how it affects humans, visit the Centers for Disease Control's resource page.

King County is awaiting test results from the CDC to make a final ruling on whether the local toddler has roundworm baylisascaris infection.

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