Toxocariasis is a human infection which is caused by ingestion of the roundworm parasites typically found in cats, dogs, and foxes. This disease is much more common among children, who are at higher risk of touching grass or soil which has been contaminated with parasites due to exposure to feces from infected animals. Children may play in such areas and then put their hands in their mouth, hence contracting the parasite. Adults and teens can also contract this infection, however it is less common and cannot be passed or spread from person to person.In most instances, Toxocariasis causing parasites will die within several months of ingestion and cause no major symptoms. However, in more extreme cases there can be several, quite severe symptoms, which must be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Your physician can perform a simple blood test to confirm a Toxocariasis diagnosis, which can be treated with a course of medication called an anthelminthic, which kills the infection causing larvae. If you suspect that either yourself or a family member to be suffering from this infection, you should contact your doctor immediately. The most commonly seen symptoms of this infection are detailed below.
