Raccoons are known carriers of Baylisascaris, canine distemper,  rabies, coccidiosis, upper respiratory diseases and mange. They are  also host of fleas, ticks, mites and lice, which are known carriers of  disease. Children and pets generally become the new target host.  Fleas can hatch up to a year after the raccoons are gone; you can  have a flea infestation when you least expect it.

Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as Raccoon  Roundworm. Raccoons are the primary host of this large roundworm, which is  commonly found in their small intestines. The parasite has also been  found in mice, squirrels, rabbits, birds, woodchucks, and dogs. Raccoons shed millions of the microscopic roundworm eggs in their  feces. It takes about a month for newly deposited eggs to develop to  the infective stage. The eggs can only develop into worms when they are in an animal’s body, but the eggs are hardy and may survive for years in soil, sand, water or insulation.

 People may encounter the eggs through direct contact with raccoon  droppings or by touching a contaminated area or object. If they don’t wash  their hands, they may later transfer the eggs to their mouths. Small children  are particularly vulnerable because they tend to put their hands, and other  objects such as bark, wood chips, toys, soil, or even droppings, into their  mouths.