You may think of Toxocara, or roundworms, as parasites that only affect dogs and cats. But toxocariasis – roundworm infection – can cause serious disease in people, too.
Dogs are the main source of Toxocara. Adult worms in their digestive tract produce eggs that pass in the stool. After they’re ingested from the environment, the eggs hatch in the intestine where they can burrow through the intestinal wall and travel to other organs.
Roundworm eggs are highly resistant to environmental extremes. In disadvantaged communities with high levels of soil contamination, the incidence of Toxocara infections in people — or human toxocariasis — can soar, especially among children and in warm weather.
We can all help by treating our pets with a monthly roundworm preventative. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.