Parasites In Humans – What Do They Do?

1. Contaminated Food & Water

• Undercooked Meat – Eating raw or undercooked pork, beef, or fish can expose people to tapeworms (Taenia species) and Trichinella worms.

• Unwashed Produce – Fruits and vegetables contaminated with parasite eggs or cysts (like Cyclospora or Giardia) can cause infection.

• Contaminated Water – Drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, or even poorly maintained wells can lead to Giardia or Cryptosporidium infections.

2. Contact with Infected Animals or Feces

• Pets – Cats and dogs can carry parasites like roundworms (Toxocara), hookworms, and tapeworms, which humans can accidentally ingest by touching contaminated surfaces or pet waste.

• Farm Animals & Wildlife – Handling animals or their waste without proper hygiene can lead to infections.

3. Poor Hygiene & Person-to-Person Contact

• Pinworms – Common in children, these tiny worms spread easily through contaminated hands, clothing, or bedding.

• Not Washing Hands Properly – Touching food or the mouth after handling contaminated objects can lead to infections like Giardia.

4. Insect Bites

• Mosquitoes – While rare in the U.S., some cases of malaria and filariasis have been reported in certain areas.

• Ticks – Some carry the parasite Babesia, which causes Babesiosis, a malaria-like illness.

5. Walking Barefoot or Swimming in Contaminated Water

• Hookworms – These can enter the skin through bare feet in contaminated soil (common in warm, humid areas).

• Schistosomiasis (Rare in the U.S.) – Caused by parasitic worms in freshwater, though mostly found in other countries.

6. Traveling to High-Risk Areas

• Many Americans get parasites while traveling to places where infections are more common (e.g., South America, Africa, or parts of Asia) and bring them back unknowingly.