Diseases That Raccoons Can Spread to Humans: 6 Common Infections

Raccoons may look cute, but they can carry nasty infections that could make you ill. You may not consider it when you see one rummaging through your trash, but their droppings, bites, or even contaminated water can spread dangerous diseases. From parasites like raccoon roundworm to serious illnesses like rabies, these critters pose real health risks—especially in case you’re outdoors a lot or have kids who play outside. Want to know which infections to watch for and how to stay safe? Let’s break it down.

Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris Procyonis Infection)

Raccoon roundworm, a parasite called *Baylisascaris procyonis*, lives in raccoon intestines and spreads through their feces.

Should you accidentally ingest eggs from contaminated soil or water, you could develop infections leading to visceral larval migrans—where larvae travel through your body, damaging organs like the brain.

Infected raccoons drop millions of eggs, which survive for years in dirt or on objects.

Kids playing outside are especially at risk should they touch their mouths after handling soil or toys exposed to raccoon waste.

Symptoms start with nausea or fatigue but can worsen to blindness or brain damage.

Always wash hands after gardening or playing outdoors, and keep sandboxes covered.

In the event that raccoons frequent your yard, clean up droppings safely (wear gloves!) to lower your risk.

Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis)

Though it’s less common than other infections, you can get Weil’s disease should one come into contact with water, soil, or surfaces contaminated by raccoon urine—thanks to a sneaky bacteria called *Leptospira*.

In the event that you touch these areas with broken skin or accidentally swallow contaminated water, the bacteria can sneak in. Symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and vomiting may show up, and without treatment, it could harm your liver or kidneys.

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Raccoons don’t always carry leptospirosis, but their urine can still spread it. To stay safe, wear gloves while cleaning areas raccoons visit, avoid muddy puddles they may have peed in, and wash your hands well.

Should you feel sick after possible contact, see a doctor fast—antibiotics can help. Stay alert and don’t panic!

Rabies

While Weil’s disease highlights the risks of contact with raccoon urine, another far more serious threat comes from their bites or scratches: rabies. This deadly Infectious Disease is carried by raccoons and transmitted through direct contact with their saliva.

Should you be exposed, act fast—rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Symptoms start mild: Fever, headache, and weakness can escalate to confusion, paralysis, and death.
  2. Prevention is key: Avoid raccoons, especially in the event they seem disoriented or aggressive.
  3. Protect your pets: Vaccinate them—they’re often the bridge between raccoons carrying rabies and humans.
  4. Remove raccoons safely: Seal trash, close off dens, and call professionals to handle infestations.

Don’t panic, but stay alert. Rabies is rare, but the stakes are too high to ignore.

Giardia

Should you have been exposed to raccoon feces, you may risk catching Giardia, a parasite that causes stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.

It spreads through contaminated water or surfaces, so washing your hands and avoiding unclean sources is key.

Protecting yourself starts with understanding how it’s passed and what steps to take to stay safe.

Symptoms and Effects

Whenever raccoons carry Giardia, their feces can contaminate soil or water, putting you at risk should you accidentally ingest it.

Giardiasis, one of the common diseases spread by raccoons, causes uncomfortable symptoms that can disrupt your daily life. Here’s what you could experience:

  1. Diarrhea – Often watery and foul-smelling, it’s the most noticeable sign.
  2. Stomach cramps – Sharp or dull pain that can make you feel miserable.
  3. Bloating and gas – Your stomach could feel uncomfortably full or gassy.
  4. Loss of appetite – You may not feel like eating, which can lead to fatigue.
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These symptoms usually start within 1-2 weeks after exposure to contaminated water sources or raccoon feces.

While most cases clear up on their own, severe giardiasis can linger, so it’s best to monitor how you feel.

Transmission and Prevention

Giardia spreads whenever one accidentally ingests the parasite from contaminated water, soil, or surfaces touched by raccoon feces.

You may come into contact with it while gardening, playing outside, or even handling items near raccoon droppings. To prevent transmission, always wash your hands thoroughly after being outdoors, especially before eating.

Avoid drinking untreated water from streams or ponds where raccoons live. Should you suspect Giardia in your area, consider professional wildlife removal to reduce exposure.

Clean surfaces with disinfectants should raccoons have been around, and keep pets away from potentially contaminated spots.

Wearing gloves when cleaning up outdoors adds extra protection. Staying aware of these risks helps one enjoy nature safely while keeping Giardia at bay.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is one of those sneaky infections you couldn’t consider until it’s too late—especially at the time you spend time outdoors where raccoons roam. Raccoons are known carriers of this bacterial infection, and you or your pets can get sick through contact with contaminated water, soil, or surfaces.

Here’s what you need to know:

  1. How it spreads: Leptospirosis thrives in damp environments, like puddles or mud, where raccoon urine lingers.
  2. Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, and vomiting—it starts like the flu but can worsen fast.
  3. Protection: Wear gloves when cleaning outdoor areas, and don’t let pets drink from standing water.
  4. Treatment: In the event caught promptly, antibiotics work, but severe cases need hospital care.

Stay alert—leptospirosis isn’t common, but it’s serious. A little caution goes a long way.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis couldn’t be something you consider often, but each time raccoons frequent your yard or neighborhood, it’s worth paying attention.

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These wildlife carriers can spread diseases like salmonellosis through their droppings, contaminating soil, water, or even surfaces you touch.

Should you accidentally ingest the bacteria—possibly by not washing your hands after gardening or handling pet food bowls—you may face fever, cramps, and diarrhea.

Kids, older adults, or anyone with a weak immune system could get hit harder, so prevention matters.

Keep raccoons away by securing trash, cleaning up food scraps, and calling removal services should they become a problem.

Always wash your hands thoroughly, especially after being outdoors.

Simple steps like these reduce your risk and keep your family safer.

John Harvey
John Harvey

John Harvey, M.D., M.P.H., is an Internal Medicine physician and professor of public health. His work focuses on improving healthcare quality and cost efficiency through policy-driven research. He holds both a Doctor of Medicine and a Master of Public Health, and completed advanced fellowship training in health policy and healthcare delivery.