Deadly ‘raccoon worms’ found in holiday destinations across Europe

Parasites carried by raccoons can trigger worrying illness among humans, experts say (Image: Getty) With summer now finally here, Brits will be flocking all over the world to bask in some much-overdue sunshine. But experts have now issued a stark warning about fatal 'raccoon worms' that are reportedly cropping up among numerous European vacation hotspots. The deadly parasite, known as Baylisascaris procyonis, can spread from these animals to humans, triggering comas, blindness and even death in the worst of cases.

As of July 29, public authorities in Belgium identified several raccoons in its southern Wallonia region carrying the roundworm, according to The Brussel Times . It's apparently the first time this has occurred in Belgium, but the worm has previously been found in the US, Denmark, France, Germany and various other nations. Annick Linden of Walloon Region's Wildlife Health and Pathology Service, stated: "The risk of being contaminated is low, but the seriousness of contamination should not be overlooked.

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