Signs of Parasite Infection: Unusual Sensations and Symptoms Explained

Suspecting that you have a parasitic infection?

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, I ate undercooked crab roe, and later I felt something moving in my arm, but I did not experience any gastrointestinal discomfort.
I would like to ask: 1.
When infected with parasites, can one feel something moving in the arm besides gastrointestinal discomfort? 2.
What are the symptoms of a parasitic infection?

Vanessa, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/12

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, parasitic infections mostly present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and so on.
What you described is likely not a parasitic infection.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/10/12

More Info

When it comes to parasitic infections, the symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of parasite involved, the location of the infection, and the individual's immune response. Your experience of feeling something moving in your arm after consuming undercooked crab could be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential implications.

1. Feeling Movement in the Arm: While it is not typical to feel something moving in the arm due to a parasitic infection, certain parasites can cause unusual sensations. For example, some parasites, like the larvae of certain helminths (worms), can migrate through the body and may cause sensations of movement or discomfort in various tissues. However, this is more commonly associated with specific types of infections, such as those caused by *Loa loa* (African eye worm) or *Dirofilaria* species, which can cause localized symptoms as they migrate through the skin or subcutaneous tissues. In most cases, gastrointestinal symptoms are more prevalent with parasitic infections, but if a parasite were to migrate to the skin or muscle tissue, it could potentially cause unusual sensations.

2. Symptoms of Parasitic Infections: The symptoms of parasitic infections can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating are common, especially with intestinal parasites like *Giardia*, *Entamoeba histolytica*, or various types of worms (e.g., roundworms, tapeworms).

- Systemic Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, and malaise can occur as the body responds to the infection.

- Skin Symptoms: Some parasites can cause rashes or itching, particularly if they are migrating through the skin.

- Respiratory Symptoms: In cases of certain parasitic infections, such as those caused by *Ascaris* or *Strongyloides*, respiratory symptoms may occur if larvae migrate to the lungs.

- Neurological Symptoms: In rare cases, certain parasites can affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms.

Given your specific situation of consuming undercooked crab, it's important to consider the possibility of infections from parasites such as *Paragonimus* (lung fluke) or *Anisakis* (a type of roundworm). These parasites can be associated with seafood consumption and may lead to symptoms that could manifest in various ways, including gastrointestinal discomfort or, in some cases, unusual sensations in the body.

Recommendations:
- Observation: Monitor your symptoms closely. If you begin to experience gastrointestinal discomfort, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention.

- Consult a Healthcare Provider: If the sensation of movement persists or if you develop any additional symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as stool examinations, blood tests, or imaging studies to identify any potential parasitic infections.

- Preventive Measures: In the future, ensure that seafood is cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of parasitic infections. Proper food handling and cooking practices are essential in preventing such infections.

In conclusion, while feeling something moving in your arm is not a common symptom of parasitic infections, it is essential to remain vigilant and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if symptoms develop.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?

Due to the need for fish farming, I manually pulled aquatic plants from a field ditch. After pulling them out, I washed my hands, and once they were dry, I ate some mint candy. Later, I discovered some worms in the aquarium that seem to be schistosomes. Is there a possibility of ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers: Regarding <Parasites...> the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx? 1. Overview of Common Intestinal Parasitic Diseases: Intestinal parasitic diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical ...

Unexplained Itching: Could It Be a Parasite Infection?

There is no abdominal pain or diarrhea, but there is frequent itching around the anus. Additionally, the eyes and skin often feel itchy, and there are occasional sensations as if insects are crawling, although nothing can be seen or felt. Although there is a personal history of s...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: To determine if there is a parasitic infection, you can go to the hospital to check for parasite eggs. For skin diseases, you can visit a dermatologist. Thank you for your message!

Unexplained Skin Itching: Is It a Sign of Parasite Infection?

Hello! For the past six months, I have been experiencing intermittent itching under my skin, feeling as if something is moving, but it only lasts for about ten seconds. Initially, it was at night and localized to my abdomen, but now it sometimes occurs on my thighs, back, and arm...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Without actually seeing the lesion, it is impossible to determine the issue. If it is very concerning, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. A proper examination is necessary to understand the problem and to determine how to address it.

Concerns About Parasite Infection After Using Contaminated Water

Dear Doctor, I stayed overnight in a rural area where the washing facilities only had a faucet without a showerhead and no hot water supply. It had not been used for about six months, and when I turned it on, I noticed some filamentous floating substances resembling algae. I had ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
1. Parasitic infections are primarily transmitted through contact routes, such as oral ingestion (via drinking water or food) or external parasites (like scabies). Therefore, when traveling to the outdoors or Southeast Asia, remember to wear long sleeves and avoid consuming untre...