Latest news with #Taeniasolium
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Brain-damaging tapeworm could be in your monsoon food and water; Doctors list urgent risks to avoid now
As Mumbai continues to battle waterlogged streets and overflowing drains, doctors are now sounding the alarm on a hidden but deadly threat, a brain-damaging tapeworm known as Taenia solium. This isn't just about food poisoning or stomach upsets, this tapeworm can travel to your brain and cause seizures, intense headaches, and even long-term neurological damage. And with the ongoing rains and sanitation problems, the risk is growing. It starts with a condition called taeniasis, which happens when people eat undercooked pork or swallow eggs of the pork tapeworm through contaminated food or dirty water. But here's the scary part, sometimes the larvae don't stay in the stomach. They travel through the blood and reach the brain, forming cysts. That's when it becomes neurocysticercosis, a condition that can cause fits, memory problems, confusion, and more. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Leadership others PGDM Public Policy Product Management Healthcare MCA MBA Finance Cybersecurity Degree Design Thinking Management Others Data Analytics Operations Management Technology Data Science healthcare Data Science Artificial Intelligence Project Management Digital Marketing Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Why Is It Worse During the Monsoon? During heavy rains, drainage system often gets clogged, making street food stalls and homes vulnerable to contamination from dirty water. Add to that the common habit of eating spicy roadside snacks without checking hygiene, and you have the perfect recipe for disaster. Experts say poor handwashing, open drains, and even unwashed vegetables can increase the chance of tapeworm eggs entering the body, especially during this season. What Are the Symptoms? Neurocysticercosis may quietly sit in your brain for a while, but when symptoms hit, they can be serious: Live Events Sudden seizures or fits Long-lasting headaches Confusion or memory loss In extreme cases, permanent brain damage Children and those with weak immunity are most at risk. How Do Doctors Detect It? Doctors use MRI and CT scans to see where the cysts are in the brain. They look for different stages: Vesicular stage: Early, with no swelling. Colloidal stage: Inflammation and active infection. Calcified stage: Old cysts that have hardened. The earlier the infection is caught, the better the chances of avoiding permanent damage. Stay Safe: What Can You Do? This infection can be prevented. Here's how to protect yourself and your family during the monsoon: Don't eat undercooked pork. Wash vegetables well before eating. Only drink clean, filtered or boiled water. Wash your hands before every meal. Buy meat only from reliable shops. If you or someone in your family experiences a sudden seizure or a headache that won't go away, don't delay. According to Dr Pavan Pai, a Mumbai-based neurologist, 'Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term brain damage. Early treatment is key.'
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Neurocysticercosis: Experts Weigh In On This "Serious" Brain Infection That Increases During Monsoon
Monsoon season brings relief from the heat but also increases the risk of infections due to stagnant water and poor sanitation. The cases of typhoid, cholera, diarrhoea and mosquito-borne diseases are common, but a lesser-known brain-damaging tapeworm infection, known as neurocysticercosis, also spreads during this season. Neurocysticercosis is the infection of the brain or spinal cord that happens when humans consume vegetables and fruit contaminated by tapeworm eggs. "Neurocysticercosis, a serious and debilitating parasitic brain infection, is an important public health issue, particularly for several parts of the world where sanitation and hygiene systems do not adequately serve the population," Dr Rathijit Mitra, Neurosurgeon - CMRI Kolkata, told NDTV. It is caused by the larval form of Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), and often remains undiagnosed until the person starts to show neurological symptoms. Increased Risks During The Monsoon Season Dr Mitra said that the risk of exposure increases in the monsoon season when heavy rains can lead to flooding that can contaminate water sources and fields. Hence, it becomes incredibly important for the public and healthcare providers to know the cause, signs and symptoms, and also the preventive measures. "Ideally, we humans are not supposed to host this stage of the worm, but accidentally, by eating unclean and unhygienic food, the egg stage enters the body and makes its way into the brain through the bloodstream. Once the egg reaches the brain, it causes inflammation and swelling in the Brain," Dr Ritu Jha, Director & HOD - Neurology, Sarvodaya Hospital Sector-8, Faridabad, told NDTV. The most common contaminated item that a person consumes is improperly cooked pork; however, the true risk is frequent exposure where sanitation is poor enough to spread faecal material that is contaminated with the larvae. What Are The Symptoms Of Neurocysticercosis? Seizures: The most common clinical presentation. These may occur suddenly in a previously healthy person. Headaches: Chronic or severe headaches are commonly present; commonly due to increased intracranial pressure. Cognitive Decline: Confusion, loss of memory and difficulty concentrating can indicate that the infection has progressed. Neurological deficits: Weakness or numbness in certain extremities (legs/arms), visual changes, or loss of coordination are present. Vomiting or fainting: Patients may have a change in level of consciousness or faint due to increased pressure in the skull. According to Dr Mitra, the symptoms of neurocysticercosis will differ in severity, depending on the amount, size and location of the cysts in the brain. Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is usually made through an imaging technique such as an MRI or CT scan, where the presence of the cysts in the brain will be visible. Neurocysticercosis is not as commonly known as other diseases of the brain or neurological diseases more broadly, but it is a significant public health issue, especially in developing parts of the world. With quick diagnosis, proper medical treatment, and, most importantly, improved hygiene and sanitation practices in order to help avert infection, neurocysticercosis is a disease that is controllable and preventable. Related Infections to Know About Cysticercosis (general): When the larvae of Taenia solium infect other tissues (i.e., muscles, eyes, or spinal column) Hydatid Disease: Caused by Echinococcus granuloses, forming cysts but typically in the liver and lungs. Toxoplasmosis: A protozoal infection with contaminated food (and cat feces) that can impact the brain and sometimes liver, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
Mumbai Monsoon May Trigger Brain-Affecting Tapeworm Infections: How Are They Caused? Dos & Don'ts
Last Updated: Mumbai Monsoon May Trigger Brain-Affecting Tapeworm Infections: Neurocysticercosis is a serious brain infection caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) Amid the monsoon, Mumbai's doctors have issued a warning against brain-affecting tapeworm infections or neurocysticercosis. A hospital in Mumbai has issued an advisory stating that an increase in tapeworm infections has been observed in many parts of the country, particularly in metropolitan cities, in recent days. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC, it is a preventable parasitic disease. But it remains common in areas with poor sanitation and a lack of awareness. What is neurocysticercosis or brain-affecting tapeworm? Neurocysticercosis is a serious brain infection caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). It's common in areas with poor sanitation and where pork is eaten. What are the causes of neurocysticercosis? You get neurocysticercosis by ingesting Taenia solium eggs, not from eating undercooked pork (that's how people get the adult tapeworm, which is different). Main causes: Not washing hands after using the toilet. Close contact with a person who has an intestinal tapeworm and poor hygiene Humans spread the eggs to other humans — not pigs. Why is Mumbai monsoon a cause for concern for brain-affecting tapeworm? Heavy rain often floods sewage systems, leading to mixing of human feces with water sources. This increases the risk of ingesting water or food contaminated with Taenia solium eggs (from human feces). In many rural and urban slum areas, toilets overflow or open defecation increases during the monsoon. Unhygienic conditions favour the spread of parasitic eggs via dirty hands, food, or surfaces. People tend to eat hot street foods during the monsoon, but these are often prepared in unsanitary environments with contaminated water. If the cook is an asymptomatic tapeworm carrier with poor hygiene, they can spread eggs through their hands. Leafy vegetables or raw foods washed in flood-contaminated water may carry T. solium eggs. If eaten raw or undercooked, this increases infection risk. Monsoon brings a general rise in parasitic and water-borne diseases, including amoebiasis, giardiasis, and bacterial infections, which can weaken the immune system, making neurocysticercosis harder to fight off if contracted. What are the symptoms of neurocysticercosis? Symptoms vary depending on where the cysts are in the brain and how many there are. Common symptoms: Seizures (most common) Headaches Nausea/vomiting Confusion Vision problems Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain) Stroke-like symptoms Sometimes no symptoms at all (until years later) What is the treatment for neurocysticercosis? Treatment depends on: Number and location of cysts Whether the cysts are active or dead Severity of symptoms Main treatments: Anti-parasitic drugs: Albendazole or Praziquantel to kill the larvae Anti-inflammatory drugs: Steroids like dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling Anti-seizure medications: To control seizures Surgery (in severe cases): To remove cysts or treat hydrocephalus Dos Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating or preparing food Wash hands after using the toilet Drink clean, safe water Eat well-cooked pork (kills cysts — but remember, this prevents intestinal tapeworm, not neurocysticercosis directly) Keep nails trimmed and clean Deworm individuals in at-risk populations. Don'ts Drink untreated water Eat raw or undercooked pork Ignore seizures or neurological symptoms With Agency Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More tags : Mumbai monsoon news18 specials view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 12:05 IST News cities » mumbai-news Mumbai Monsoon May Trigger Brain-Affecting Tapeworm Infections: How Are They Caused? Dos & Don'ts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Monsoon triggers brain infections from tapeworm, causing seizures, headaches
As heavy monsoon rains continue to flood Mumbai, doctors are warning of a sharp rise in a life-threatening brain infection caused by tapeworms, called neurocysticercosis. The infection, they say, is becoming more common during this season due to poor sanitation, food contamination, and waterborne is a serious parasitic infection caused by ingesting tapeworm eggs, most often through contaminated food or water. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition is preventable, yet continues to affect thousands, particularly in tropical countries like factors, such as poor sanitation and even water contamination, cause a surge in cases. Moreover, flooding also tends to spread tapeworm eggs more easily, increasing the chances of infections," Dr Pankaj Agarwal, Head of Neurology at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, told The infection starts with a common intestinal tapeworm (Taenia solium), often contracted through undercooked meat or poor hygiene. But if left untreated, it can develop into cysticercosis, where larvae form cysts in body tissues. The most dangerous form is neurocysticercosis, when these cysts enter the brain.'Neurocysticercosis is accompanied by seizures, headaches, and even vomiting or dizziness that can become a matter of concern. Other symptoms can be vision problems, memory issues, or even paralysis, based on where the cysts are located in the brain. Seek timely attention after the symptoms are noticed,' said Dr condition is one of the leading causes of seizures worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Symptoms might not appear immediately, but when they do, seizures are the most common, reported in nearly 70% of symptomatic seizures occur due to the inflammatory response and pressure created by cysts in the brain tissue, also known as parenchymal some cases, calcified cysts left untreated can lead to chronic epilepsy. Other signs include headaches, stroke-like symptoms, mood changes, and a steady decline in memory or confirm the infection, doctors rely on MRI or CT scans."An MRI or CT scan will be done to prevent long-term brain damage and promptly manage the symptoms with the help of an expert," added Dr diagnosed, treatment usually involves antiparasitic drugs, along with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the brain. Patients with seizures may also be prescribed anti-epileptic medications.'The line of treatment will be decided by the treating doctor,' said Dr Agarwal. 'People maintaining poor sanitation and hygiene are vulnerable. Hence, practice good hygiene and focus on safe food, clean water, and deworming during monsoon.'Doctors urge the public to stay cautious during the rainy season. Wash vegetables thoroughly, avoid street food, drink clean or boiled water, and ensure good hand hygiene, especially before meals or cooking. These small steps can prevent a condition that may otherwise result in serious brain complications.- Ends
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Brain-damaging tapeworm risk surges in Mumbai amid monsoon flooding and poor sanitation; know its symptoms, prevention tips and other information
As monsoon rains continue to flood Mumbai, doctors have issued urgent warnings about a growing risk of neurocysticercosis, a serious brain infection caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. This infection spreads mainly through the consumption of undercooked pork or contaminated food and water, risks that intensify during the monsoon season due to poor sanitation, flooding, and hygiene lapses. Neurocysticercosis can lead to severe neurological symptoms like seizures and chronic headaches, especially in children and those with weakened immune systems. Awareness and timely medical intervention are crucial to preventing irreversible damage. What is brain damaging tapeworm Taenia solium begins its life cycle in the human intestines (taeniasis) when people consume undercooked pork or ingest tapeworm eggs through contaminated food or water. In some cases, the larvae (not the adult worm) travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the brain, forming cysts. That's when it becomes neurocysticercosis, a condition linked to seizures, headaches, and neurological damage What is Neurocysticercosis and how does it spread Neurocysticercosis is an infection caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch at Godrej Sector 12 | Luxurious 3 BHK + S & 4 BHK Homes @₹2.90 Cr* Godrej Majesty Learn More Undo It begins when a person consumes undercooked pork or food and water contaminated with tapeworm eggs. These eggs hatch in the intestines, causing taeniasis, an intestinal infection. If untreated, the larvae can travel to muscles, skin, eyes, and crucially, the brain, where they develop into cysts. This advanced stage—neurocysticercosis—can cause serious neurological damage. During the monsoon, flooding and poor sanitation exacerbate the risk by spreading contamination, especially when basic food hygiene is neglected. Neurocysticercosis symptoms and health risks Many infected individuals show no symptoms initially, but once cysts form in the brain, serious issues arise. The most common symptom is seizures, often leading to epilepsy, which is a leading cause of late-onset seizures in developing countries like India. Other symptoms include debilitating headaches, confusion, and in severe cases, permanent neurological impairment. Children and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to developing serious complications from this infection. How MRI and CT scans reveal brain tapeworm infection Source: New York Post Doctors rely on imaging techniques like MRI scans and CT scans to detect cysts in the brain and to determine the stage of infection: Vesicular stage: Early infection with no swelling. Colloidal stage: Inflammation and swelling around cysts. Calcified stage: Old cysts that have hardened. Early detection is critical for effective treatment and to reduce neurological damage. Prevention tips to stay safe during monsoon season Preventing neurocysticercosis requires strict attention to food and water safety, especially during the vulnerable monsoon months. Key preventive measures include: Avoid eating undercooked pork. Wash vegetables thoroughly before consumption. Drink clean, safe water only. Maintain proper hand hygiene, especially before meals. Purchase meat only from trusted, hygienic sources. Practicing these habits significantly reduces the risk of infection. Why immediate medical attention is crucial Experts stress that symptoms such as persistent headaches or seizures should never be ignored. According to neurologist Dr. Pavan Pai, timely medical evaluation can be life-saving and help prevent irreversible brain damage caused by neurocysticercosis. With monsoon flooding increasing exposure risks, awareness and prompt diagnosis have never been more important. Also Read | UK woman dies for 17 minutes later shares haunting near death experience revealing rare genetic disorder and life saving heart transplant
