Roundworms do pose a significant risk to humans. Contact with contaminated soil or dog feces can result in human ingestion and infection. Roundworm eggs may accumulate in significant numbers in the soil where pets deposit feces. Once infected, the worms can cause eye, lung, heart and neurologic signs in people.
What happens if a human gets roundworms?
Roundworms can live in the human intestine for a long time. They can be harmful and cause many problems, including abdominal (belly) pain, fever and diarrhea. Roundworms have long, round bodies and can be of different sizes, depending on the type.
Can roundworms be fatal to humans?
Baylisascaris procyonis, predominantly found in raccoons, is a ubiquitous roundworm found throughout North America. Infection can result in fatal human disease or severe neurologic outcomes if it is not treated rapidly.
How do humans know if they have roundworm?
Roundworm eggs live in soil that is contaminated by feces. The eggs can get into the body through the mouth. The infection can then spread from person to person via infected feces. Symptoms may include worms in a bowel movement or coming from the nose or mouth, vomiting, and stomach pain.
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