People become infected by accidentally swallowing eggs from contaminated hands, soil, or objects contaminated with raccoon feces. People may also become infected by breathing in the microscopic eggs that may become airborne when dry.
What happens if you inhale roundworm eggs?
Raccoon droppings are dangerous because many contain tiny roundworm eggs that can infect humans and cause serious illness if accidentally swallowed or inhaled. Although these infections are rare, they can lead to irreversible brain, heart, and sometimes eye damage and death.
Can roundworm eggs live on carpet?
Roundworm eggs need a host (human body or animal body) to hatch and survive as they cannot hatch on your carpet. However, they are resistant to several conditions and can live in the carpet for several months even up to 3 years. In moist conditions like soil, they can survive even longer.
Can roundworm eggs live on clothes?
After touching an infected area, people may put their fingers in or near their mouths or touch surfaces. Pinworm eggs can attach to bedding, clothing, toys, doorknobs, furniture and faucets for up to two weeks.
How long do roundworm eggs live outside?
These eggs must develop in the environment for 2 to 4 weeks, after which the eggs are able to cause infection. The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions and with adequate moisture, can survive for years. While raccoons are the roundworm's primary host, other types of animals can become infected.
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