Parasites are the small organisms that can enter your body via different routes and cause a multitude of diseases. Your body becomes a host for them as they feed on your blood and nutrients, going unnoticed even as they thrive on your skin or within the digestive system. While some parasites are harmless, others can be relatively dangerous. It becomes crucial to identify them and be vigilant so that you can take preventive and protective measures against them. Here are some parasites that you should watch out for.
Whipworm (Trichuris Trichiura)
Whipworm is so called because it closely resembles a cow whip and can reach a length of two inches. Humans get infected with this parasite through dirt mixed in human feces which are loaded with the worm’s eggs. Young children are more likely to be infected as they crawl around and put their fingers in their mouth. Whipworms can cause severe weight loss, anemia, diarrhea and rectal prolapse.
Elephantiasis (Lymphatic filariasis)
The disease called Elephantiasis is caused by parasitic worms that are transferred via mosquitoes. They can live in the host’s body for years, during which they can produce millions of larvae that reside in the blood stream. The worms target the lymphatic system and cause the limbs to swell up. The disease is widely prevalent in Africa, where it has inflicted thousands of people.
Guinea Worm (Dracunculiasis)
Another dangerous parasite that affects humans is Guinea worms, which enter the body through water contaminated with fleas that carry the worm’s larvae. The worm latches to the intestinal walls in the initial stages and gradually enters the tissues. The worst thing about the disease is that it has no apparent symptoms. Subsequently, they can result in blisters on the feet through which the worm comes out and multiplies by laying eggs (if female).
Liver Fluke (Fasciola and Clonorchis sinensis)
Liver fluke is a parasite that looks like flatworms and make its way into the human body through infected water, vegetables or fish. They travel through the intestines and get attached to the bile ducts of the liver. Gradually, they can cause liver infection, jaundice and severe stomach ache. They reproduce at a rapid pace and can even live inside the human body for as long as two or three decades.
Hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus)
Hookworms are usually contracted by walking barefoot outdoors as they live in mud mixed with human feces. They travel long distance, from the foot to the lungs and finally to the trachea. Further, they can reach the digestive system as the host swallows them with the food. They suck blood from the intestinal walls, leading to inflammation, infection and anemia.
Being watchful about the symptoms of parasites is your best bet. You can check out https://microbeformulas.com/blogs/microbe-formulas/12-parasite-die-off-symptoms-and-how-to-fight-them to get a better idea about the symptoms to look out for. Once you notice anything amiss, it is best to consult a doctor who will give you proper diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it is advisable to take preventive measures to avoid getting them in the first place.