Do brain worms really come from consuming underdone meat?
The idea that something could be squirming inside us is horrifying. But the idea of a worm actually making its way to your brain? Nope, nope, nope. We know from movies like “Alien” and “The Host” just how scary parasites can be. Fortunately, for most people in the U.S., cases of brain worms are more like science fiction than reality.
However, parasites are a real concern in some developing countries. People who live and visit such places often risk exposure to worm eggs in their drinking water or uncooked foods.
Recently, independent U.S. presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. told of his encounter with a brain-eating parasite. “A worm got into my brain and ate part of it and then died,” shared the nonpartisan candidate. This caused a media frenzy. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a condition caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium and is diagnosed through MRI or CT brain scans. According to a deposition from 12 years ago, Kennedy’s brain had been breached by a parasite during his travels in Africa, South America, and Asia. His campaign says the issue was resolved years ago.
Dr. Claire Panosian Dunavan, a tropical medicine expert, explains that it’s likely Kennedy contracted Neurocysticercosis (NCC) from a pork tapeworm. Below are some myth-busting truths from Dr. Panosian that will help clarify misconceptions surrounding the topic of foodborne parasites.
4 Common Misconceptions on How Brain Worms Affect People
- Transmission: Contrary to popular belief, humans don’t necessarily get NCC by eating undercooked pork. Infection begins when a person ingests tiny eggs of adult pork tapeworms that may be found in food and water that have been contaminated by human feces.
- Brain Damage: Even though science fiction has led us to believe the worst, pork tapeworm larvae do not actually eat brain tissue. Instead, they grow and cause symptoms like seizures and headaches by blocking fluid in the brain.
- Global Issue: NCC is more common in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It’s a leading cause of adult-onset epilepsy and can be fatal.
- U.S. Cases: While NCC is not prevalent in the United States, there have been patients diagnosed with the condition in the country, often only learning of the condition years after they were infected in other high-risk places.
RELATED: FDA Steps Up Safety Checks on Imported Food
Food Safety Implications and How You Can Safeguard Yourself From Parasites
Modern hygiene and food safety practices have reduced foodborne parasites in the U.S. However, in countries with poor sanitation, efforts focus on hygiene, vaccines for pigs, and treatments for people.
Travelers to high-risk areas should avoid potentially contaminated food and practice good hand hygiene. Eating well-cooked food and drinking boiled water are wise precautions.
Should You Be Afraid of Parasitic Tapeworms?
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s horrific account definitely sparked widespread concern. However, Dr. Panosian’s insights help debunk misconceptions and highlight the importance of understanding foodborne parasites. So, while Neurocysticercosis is a serious global health issue, as long as you practice good hygiene and food safety basics, it is safe to say that you’re generally protected from the parasites that cause NCC and other foodborne diseases.
From The Club
I have had my own encounter with a foodborne parasite. This is going to be a bit TMI but I feel like it’s okay considering the topic. One night, many years ago, I felt a strange pain on the right side of my stomach just below my ribs when I suddenly felt the need to vomit. I didn’t know why but it was quite random. To my horror the next morning, I looked down at the toilet and saw a big tapeworm. How did I even get it? How long has that been inside me? I have no idea. All I know is that the experience has left me constantly anxious when eating or handling meat, including fish. But I guess there is some relief in knowing facts from myth, as shared by Dr. Claire Panosian Dunavan. I’d still prefer my meat cooked dry though, but that’s just me.