Tag

Parasitic Infection

All articles tagged with #parasitic infection

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Historic cyclosporiasis outbreak hits Michigan and neighboring states as CDC hunts source

Michigan and several states are contending with a record cyclosporiasis outbreak, with Michigan reporting over 1,200 cases and about 40 hospitalizations and Ohio more than 500 cases; federal health officials are investigating the source as the parasite spreads during the May–August outbreak season. Cyclosporiasis causes weeks-long watery, explosive diarrhea and is typically treated with antibiotics; thorough washing of fresh produce is advised, though it may not fully eliminate risk. No deaths have been reported.

via Fox News|

#cdc #cyclospora #health

health1 month ago•8 min saved

Produce-Linked Cyclospora Outbreak Sparks Midwest Health Advisory

A Cyclospora parasite causing explosive diarrhea is driving a multi-state outbreak in the Midwest, spread through contaminated produce and water. The CDC reports hundreds of domestically acquired cases across more than a dozen states, with Michigan seeing a rapid uptick and outbreaks continuing in Illinois and Wisconsin. Common risky items include raspberries, cilantro, basil, and other delicate greens. Health officials urge thorough washing and standard food-safety practices; symptoms can last days to weeks and may require treatment. As of mid-June, about 190 U.S. cases (145 domestically acquired, 45 travel-related) and roughly 20 hospitalizations have been reported, with investigations ongoing to identify a source.

via NBC 5 Chicago|

#cdc #cyclosporiasis #health

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Tapeworm Mimics Brain Cancer in Spain Case Highlights Neurocysticercosis

A 60-year-old Spanish man with headaches was initially diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer after imaging, but comprehensive testing found no primary tumor. MRI revealed cysts in the brain containing tapeworm tissue, diagnosing neurocysticercosis caused by Taenia solium. He recovered after treatment with antiparasitics (albendazole and praziquantel) and steroids. The case suggests possible local transmission in non-endemic settings and underscores that NCC can mimic cancer, so differential diagnosis should include parasitic infections even if travel history is absent to prevent unnecessary invasive cancer procedures.

via Fox News|

#brain-cancer-misdiagnosis #emerging-infectious-diseases #health

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Brain lesion mystery solved: pork tapeworm masquerades as cancer

In Spain, doctors initially suspected brain cancer after MRI showed metastasis-like brain lesions, but a higher-resolution MRI and a Taenia solium blood test revealed neurocysticercosis caused by a pork tapeworm. The patient was treated with albendazole and praziquantel and did not require a brain biopsy. Neurocysticercosis is a leading cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide, though cases are rare in Europe (a German case was reported in 2026).

via Boing Boing|

#brain-lesions #europe #health

science5 months ago•7 min saved

Two-Stage Gut Signal Triggers Appetite Loss During Infection

UC San Francisco researchers reveal a two-stage gut signaling pathway: parasite detection by tuft cells releases acetylcholine, which prompts enterochromaffin cells to release serotonin and activate vagal brain signals, leading to delayed appetite suppression as infection takes hold; the finding links gut immune response to behavior and could inform gut disorders like IBS and food intolerances.

via ScienceDaily|

#acetylcholine #appetite-loss #gut-brain-axis

health7 months ago•4 min saved

Woman's Galápagos Trip Ends with Exotic Eye Parasite

A woman visiting the Galápagos Islands contracted a rare eye parasite, a Philophthalmus lacrymosus fluke, which was successfully removed, highlighting the potential health risks of parasitic infections from travel to endemic regions.

via Gizmodo|

#eye-parasite #galapagos-islands #health

health11 months ago•2 min saved

Kissing Bugs and Chagas Disease Now Endemic in Multiple U.S. States

Health authorities have issued a warning about the presence of kissing bugs in 32 U.S. states, including Ohio, which can transmit Chagas disease, a potentially deadly parasitic infection that can cause severe heart and digestive issues if untreated, emphasizing the need for awareness and early treatment.

via WTVC|

#chagas-disease #health #kissing-bugs

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Simplified Structure of Bumblebee Medicine Boosts Synthetic Production

Researchers at UCT Prague developed a five-step method to synthesize callunene, a natural compound that protects bumblebees from a deadly gut parasite, and discovered that natural callunene is a racemic mixture, enabling direct use of synthetic versions to safeguard pollinator colonies.

via Phys.org|

#bumblebees #callunene #parasitic-infection

health1 year ago•5 min saved

Parasite Infecting 50% of People May Decapitate Human Sperm

A recent study suggests that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can directly damage human sperm by causing decapitation and deformities, potentially contributing to declining male fertility rates worldwide. The parasite infects many people globally and can target reproductive organs, raising concerns about its impact on human fertility, although more research is needed. Preventative measures include proper food handling and hygiene practices.

via ScienceAlert|

#health #male-fertility #parasitic-infection

health2 years ago•4 min saved

"Dog Owners Alerted to Human-Transmissible Parasitic Infection"

Dog owners are being warned about giardiasis, a highly contagious parasitic infection that can be passed between dogs and humans. Symptoms in both include foul-smelling diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating. Treatment involves antibiotics for humans and specific medications for dogs, along with good hygiene practices to prevent transmission.

via The Mirror|

#dogs #giardiasis #health

health2 years ago•6 min saved

Family Reunion Bear Meat Leads to Parasitic Worm Outbreak, CDC Warns

The CDC warns that consuming undercooked wild game meat, such as bear meat, can lead to trichinellosis, a parasitic infection. Six family members from Arizona, Minnesota, and South Dakota fell ill after eating undercooked black bear meat. Proper cooking to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit is essential to kill the parasites. The CDC also advises against cross-contamination and recommends safe handling practices to prevent infection.

via Fox News|

#bear-meat #cdc #food-safety

health2 years ago•1 min saved

Family Sickened by Parasitic Worms After Eating Undercooked Bear Meat

Six people fell ill with trichinellosis after consuming undercooked bear kabobs at a family reunion in South Dakota, with the CDC confirming the presence of roundworms in the meat. The outbreak highlights the importance of thoroughly cooking wild game to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent parasitic infections.

via MLive.com|

#bear-meat #cdc #food-safety

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Family Falls Ill from Undercooked Bear Meat Parasite Outbreak

A family reunion in South Dakota turned into a health scare when several members fell ill after consuming undercooked black bear meat contaminated with Trichinella parasites. Despite freezing the meat for 45 days, the parasites survived, leading to trichinellosis in six family members, three of whom were hospitalized. The CDC emphasizes the importance of thoroughly cooking game meat to prevent such infections.

via WPVI-TV|

#black-bear-meat #cdc #food-safety

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Family Falls Ill from Undercooked Bear Meat, CDC Warns

A family reunion in South Dakota turned into a health scare when several members fell ill after consuming undercooked black bear meat, which was contaminated with Trichinella parasites. Despite freezing the meat for 45 days, the parasites survived, leading to trichinellosis in six family members, three of whom were hospitalized. The CDC emphasizes the importance of thoroughly cooking game meat to prevent such infections.

via KABC-TV|

#black-bear-meat #cdc #food-safety

health2 years ago•6 min saved

Undercooked Bear Meat Causes Rare Worm Infections in U.S. Families

A family gathering in South Dakota resulted in multiple cases of trichinellosis after consuming undercooked bear meat harvested from northern Saskatchewan. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the parasite, common in wild meat, caused severe symptoms in those infected. Experts emphasize the importance of cooking wild game meat to a high temperature to kill the parasite. The incident highlights the risks associated with consuming improperly prepared wild game.

via CBC.ca|

#bear-meat #cdc-report #food-safety