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Nutrient malabsorption (leading to weight loss and deficiencies)
Organ damage (liver, lungs, brain)
Seizures or neurological symptoms (cysticercosis caused by pork tapeworm)
Bile duct obstruction (liver flukes)
Some people with parasitic infections do not show any symptoms, but they can still transmit the parasites to other people.
Foods most likely to contain parasites
Below is an honest list, based on documented cases and public health data.
1. Raw or undercooked pork.
Parasite: Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Trichinella spiralis
Transmission: By consuming undercooked pork containing cysticerci (tapeworm larvae) or trichinella larvae.
Prevention: Cook pork to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and let it rest for 3 minutes. Freezing pork at -15°C (-5°F) for 10 to 20 days kills trichinella and tapeworm larvae.
2. Raw or undercooked beef.
Parasite: Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)
Transmission: By consuming undercooked beef containing cysticerci.
Prevention: Cook beef to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Freezing it at -15°C (-5°F) for 10 days eliminates the larvae.
3. Raw or undercooked freshwater fish
Parasites: Diphyllobothrium (fish tapeworm), Opisthorchis (liver fluke), Clonorchis sinensis (Chinese liver fluke)
Transmission: Consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish (including dishes such as ceviche, sashimi or larb).
Prevention: Cook fish to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Freeze at -20°C (-4°F) for 7 days to eliminate parasites. (Note: Home freezers may not reach a high enough temperature.)