Holiday warning as deadly ‘raccoon worms’ that trigger brain swelling and blindness in humans are found across Europe

A RACOON parasite which attacks the human nervous system is spreading in a popular tourist sport in Belgium.

Six racoons found in Wallonia, southern Belgium, tested positive for the parasite Baylisascaris procyonis – a roundworm that lives in the animal.

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It’s the first time the worm, which is relatively harmless to racoons but can be fatal in humans, has been spotted in Belgium, according to The Wallonia Public Service (WPS).

“The risk of being contaminated is low, but the seriousness of contamination should not be overlooked,” stated Annick Linden of the Wildlife Health and Pathology Service, whose department is credited with identifying the parasite.

A rare parasitic infection can occur if humans accidentally ingest the eggs, which live on the animal’s fur and in their poo.

After the eggs have been eaten, they hatch into larvae that travel through blood vessels and invade organs, including the eyes and brain.

Once it’s reached the organs it can cause serious inflammation leading to irreversible damage.

While some people make a full recovery, the infection can leave others blind, in a coma, with deadly encephalitis (brain swelling) or with permanent brain damage.

Those visiting the area famous for its medieval towns and beer must stay away from racoons and not feed them, the WPS said.

Parents should keep an eye on children, who are at high risk of infection, to ensure they do not put anything strange in their mouths.

Hikers have been warned to only pick wild berries that hang too high for racoons to reach, which they say is at least 50cm above the ground.

Dogs – which are also at risk of infection – should keep their distance from raccoons. So it is best to keep them on a leash in wooded areas.

The first raccoons emerged in the Belgian area in the 1980s and have been on the rise since the 2010s.

Last year, the Walloon government estimated the number of raccoons in the region at around 70,000.

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