What is raccoon roundworm? "In humans, the Baylisascaris parasite can infect the spinal cord, brain and eyes and lead to swelling of the brain and eye disease," according to a statement from the agency.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is looking into two human cases of a rare parasitic infection that comes from raccoons. Baylisascaris procyonis is a type of parasite that lives in the intestines of raccoons;

Los Angeles County public health officials said Tuesday they are investigating two human cases of a rare infection known as raccoon roundworm in the South Bay area. No details about the patients were released. The infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, can infect the human spinal cord, brain and eyes, health officials said.