Woman contracts five dangerous parasites from eating raw vegs

A doctor at Phú Thọ Provincial General Hospital conducts a health check on the patient. — Photo from the hospital

PHÚ THỌ — A 65-year-old woman from the northern province of Phú Thọ has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with five dangerous parasites.

The infection is believed to have been caused by her habit of consuming raw vegetables.

According to medical reports from Phú Thọ Provincial General Hospital, the patient, who had been for the last two months experiencing symptoms of fatigue, headaches, and serious weight loss, was found to have contracted fasciola gigantica (commonly known as liver flukes), dipylidium caninum (flea tapeworms), strongyloides stercoralis (threadworms), toxocara canis (dog roundworms), and schistosoma mansoni (blood flukes).

She was also diagnosed with pneumonia, eosinophilia, gastritis and hepatitis.

The woman then received treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiparasitic medication, along with liver health supplements. After eight days of treatment, she was discharged from the hospital.

Doctors attributed the infections to her regular consumption of raw vegetables, which can be a breeding ground for parasites.

They warned that parasites can infect people in many ways, including consuming raw vegetables, drinking unclean water or being bitten by insects. Even contact with pets can spread parasites.

They also warned that parasitic infections could lead to serious complications if left untreated, emphasising the importance of taking precautions, deworming every six months and cooking food thoroughly before consumption. — VNS