Contrary to popular belief, parasitic infections are very common in the United States but their symptoms go unnoticed, CDC warns.
Parasitic infections can be a nightmare. Unfortunately, most people are under the misconception that parasites are mostly found in developing or third-world countries, when in fact, millions of people in the United States are affected by these infections yearly. In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that since the symptoms of these infections are so few, they often go unnoticed.
"They're more common in the US than people realize and yet there is so much we don't know about them. We need research to learn more about these infections and action to better prevent and treat them," CDC Director Tom Frieden, said in a statement.
Parasites are small organisms that take up residence in their human hosts and feed on the nutrients of the person, causing both minor ailments as well as serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses including seizures, blindness, infertility, heart failure, and even death.
To build better awareness of such infections in the U.S., the CDC released a report, focusing on five neglected parasitic infections (NPIs) in the country that need immediate public health action. These NPIs were selected based on the numbers of people infected, the severity of the illnesses and the ability to prevent and treat them.
Chagas disease: Trypanosoma cruzi is the parasite that causes this disease. More than 300,000 Americans are infected by this parasite, with over 300 infected babies being born every year in the country, according to WHO statistics. The disease is transmitted through the bite of a triatomine bug. The insect then drops its feces in the skin opening, leading to an infection. The consequences of this infection include long-term digestive, cardiac and neurological complications. If detected in its early stages, Chagas disease can be cured by simple medication. The disease can also cause death from a heart attack.
Cysticercosis: This infection is cause by the taenia solium tapeworm. This parasite makes its home in human tissues like muscles and the brain. It forms larval cysts in these areas, leading to complications like seizures. The disease is transmitted through eating uncooked pork that may contain larval cysts. More than 1,000 Americans are hospitalized due to this infection each year.
Toxocara: A mere 13.9 percent of the U.S. population has antibodies that protect them from Toxocara infections. The rest of the population is at a risk of acquiring this eye disease through roundworms often found in the intestines of dogs and cats. According to the CDC, about 14 percent of Americans are exposed to this parasitic infection with more than 70 people dying from this infection each year. The infection is very common among children, who often suffer from blindness due to the disease.
Toxoplasma gondii: Often referred to as the "cat poop parasite," more than 60 million people are affected by Toxoplasma gondii in the United States each year. Apart from close contact with a feline, this infection can also be acquired from eating undercooked meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables. This parasitic infection puts pregnant women at a risk for birth defects. Some symptoms include lymph nodes, muscle aches and eye complications. If left untreated, these problems can become chronic.
Trichomoniasis: This parasitic infection is very common in the United States and is usually transmitted through sex. It affects more than 3.7 million Americans and increases a person's risk for developing other STDs. Symptoms of the disease include itching and burning in the genital area, pain during urination and discharge. Trichomoniasis can be treated successfully with prescribed medication when detected. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of infected individuals develop any kind of symptoms, making diagnosis all the more difficult.
"The perception that parasitic diseases are no longer relevant or important is a major impediment to implementing currently available control and prevention strategies," the authors note. "The NPIs in the United States are part of the global burden of parasitic diseases, and strategies that reduce or eliminate them in the United States can someday be applied globally."
The CDC has already taken appropriate steps to build awareness of parasitic infections, and improving diagnostic testing. It also offers advice on treatment and helps in the distribution of otherwise unavailable drugs for certain infections.
