Roundworm warning: feral cats could cause parasite to spread quickly

The New York City Health Department is warning its residents that two young people have been stricken with ringworm and now have very serious health problems. An infant has permanent brain damage and a teenager has lost sight in one eye after contracting the parasite from raccoon feces.
Veterinarians here in Central New York say people here should be aware that something similar could happen in our area, mainly because of feral cats.
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Dr. Chmielwicz says feral cats, like raccoons are very likely to have parasites in them, including roundworm. He say people here should watch for cat feces in their yards, "one town in particular, Clayville, has quite a large stray and feral cat population and with these cats depositing their feces around people's homes, they like soft dirt, soil, sand, these are areas people are gardening, working in their flower beds, children are playing outside, so he potential is really there."