Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

How can humans become infected with raccoon roundworms?

1. Eating undercooked raccoon meat

2. Swallowing something contaminated with roundworm eggs

3. Coming into contact with the blood of a raccoon killed on the highway

4. Being bitten by a raccoon showing nasal discharge

The correct answer is: Swallowing something contaminated with roundworm eggs

Humans can become infected with raccoon roundworms primarily through the ingestion of something contaminated with roundworm eggs. Raccoon roundworms, specifically Baylisascaris procyonis, have eggs that are shed in the feces of infected raccoons. These eggs can persist in the environment for long periods and can contaminate soil, water, or food sources. When humans accidentally ingest these eggs, which might occur through activities like gardening, playing in contaminated areas, or not practicing good hygiene after handling pets or being outside, the eggs hatch in the intestines and the larvae can migrate through the body, potentially leading to severe health issues. This route of transmission emphasizes the importance of washing hands thoroughly and taking precautions in areas known to have raccoon populations. Other methods listed do not typically lead to infection with raccoon roundworms. Eating undercooked raccoon meat does not pose a risk for roundworm transmission, as the lifecycle of the roundworm does not involve the meat itself. Direct contact with a raccoon's blood or being bitten by one also does not correspond to the transmission method for this parasite, as the eggs are spread through feces, not blood or saliva.