Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Eating lettuce with snails? Hello, doctor. I just ate a large bowl of salad from a restaurant (which had been refrigerated for 3 hours) and only realized at the end that there was a live snail in the bowl. I'm very concerned about the risk of parasitic infection. It's b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if it's just a one-time consumption, the chance of getting sick is quite low. The risk of eating raw snails is higher, but the risk of parasites from vegetables that snails have crawled over is much lower, as the vast majority would be killed by stomach acid. So, you ...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Parasitic questions? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about a situation where my family and I consumed pig liver soup tonight, and we ate undercooked pig liver that was even oozing blood. Each person had about six pieces of pig liver. I would like to ask the following quest...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is not much risk; parasites will die if they are slightly heated, and tapeworms are not typically found in pig liver. 2. The same applies here. The main risk comes from consuming raw pork; even if parasites are frozen, they will die, so it is not that easy to get infec...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Snail parasites Hello, doctor. This morning, I directly touched a small snail on my motorcycle handle. After realizing it was a snail, I used a wet cloth to remove it. At that moment, there was no water source nearby, so I rode for about 30 minutes to my destination before using ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is usually not much risk involved. Eating raw snails is typically riskier because parasites are found inside the snails rather than on their surface. Therefore, touching snails is unlikely to expose you to parasites.[Read More] Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria
Fecal-oral transmission of parasites or pathogenic bacteria? Hello Dr. Lin, I previously inquired about chronic diarrhea and suspect that it may be due to a parasitic or pathogenic bacterial infection from an incident over three years ago when I accidentally ingested toilet water...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There are many bacteria, predominantly Escherichia coli. 2. Parasites are typically present in individuals who have been recently infected; thus, the water in the toilet may contain parasites only if someone with a parasitic infection has used it (parasites cannot survive long...[Read More] Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria
Could Bathing with Fig Leaves Lead to Parasitic Infections?
Parasitic infection Due to a visit to a temple for worship, the temple master advised washing the body with 49 leaves from a banyan tree. After returning home, I picked 49 leaves from a potted banyan tree at my doorstep, forgetting to wash the leaves first. I placed the leaves in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the risk of parasitic infection is very low, as there are few known parasites that can harm the human body found on leaves. Additionally, washing with water will not allow parasites to enter the body. There's no need to worry.[Read More] Could Bathing with Fig Leaves Lead to Parasitic Infections?
Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Parasitic infection issues? I have an autoimmune disease and I'm currently taking immunosuppressive medication, which makes my immune system weaker. I just noticed some small worms in my drinking cup and I'm a bit worried about the risk of infections from parasites like...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The likelihood of a single event occurring is very low, so it is recommended to just observe. If there are no issues after one to two weeks, then there is likely no problem. Seek medical attention if you experience any discomfort![Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Parasitic infection Hello Dr. Lin, I experienced a mental health crisis in April 2021. To avoid being forcibly taken to a hospital by my family, I hid in a public restroom at a temple. During that time, I completely lost my rationality and felt excessively thirsty. Believing I ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, for the toilet water in a public restroom to contain parasites, it would require that a person who had feces with parasites used the toilet just before. Additionally, parasites cannot survive outside the human body for an extended period, so the likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Stepping on a Snail
Stepping on a snail raises concerns about parasitic infections? Hello, Doctor. I accidentally stepped on a snail at my doorstep and only realized it after entering the house. I wiped my shoes and the entrance area that day, and I disposed of the shoes two days later. What additio...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The parasitic infection in snails, particularly caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is noteworthy; however, it typically leads to eosinophilic meningitis only when consumed raw and in large quantities. Generally, cooking the snails thoroughly and avoiding raw consumption makes...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Stepping on a Snail
Concerns About Undercooked Dumplings: Should You Get Tested?
After eating dumplings, I found a small red piece in the center and I'm worried that I might have swallowed a piece of pork tapeworm tissue? Hello, Doctor. On March 16, 2024, while eating dumplings, I suddenly thought to check if they were fully cooked. I found that one dump...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In principle, as long as one does not consume undercooked pork, beef, or chicken, the risk of contracting animal parasites is generally low. The cases presented in textbooks are more extreme; therefore, prioritizing safety over taste by consuming properly cooked food is the corre...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Dumplings: Should You Get Tested?
Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Can a one-year-old child get a parasitic infection from drinking aquarium water? Hello, doctor. My child accidentally drank water from an outdoor fish tank. Although I pulled her away from the water's surface immediately and rinsed her mouth with tap water, today is the thir...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting parasites from a single exposure to contaminated or dirty water is quite low, and most parasites cannot reproduce within the human body. Therefore, even if one ingests one or two parasites, it is unlikely to cause any significant health effect...[Read More] Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Can Swallowing Toilet Water Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Using a public restroom in a department store, I accidentally dropped something into the toilet water, and the water splashed out, directly hitting my mouth. In a moment of panic, I swallowed it before I could react. Will this cause an infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the risk of swallowing a small amount of dirty water is similar to eating contaminated food. The main concern is that a higher number of bacteria could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. If the amount is small, it usually does not cause any symptoms. The risk...[Read More] Can Swallowing Toilet Water Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Could Parasites Be Causing My Severe Headaches and Cough?
Cerebral issues caused by parasites? Hello Doctor, I consumed several raw shrimp (purchased from a Japanese restaurant, unsure of the species and handling process) three weeks ago. In the past week, I have experienced severe headaches, strong cough (with phlegm, but minimal nasal...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if there is a combination of cough with phlegm, it is advisable to suspect an upper respiratory tract infection (such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19). The likelihood of contracting a parasite from consuming raw shrimp is extremely low, and it is unlikely to experience headach...[Read More] Could Parasites Be Causing My Severe Headaches and Cough?
Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Pork parasitic infection issues? Hello Doctor: Yesterday (January 23), while eating a milk hot pot, I consumed thin slices of pork (originating from Denmark, unsure if it was frozen). After the water boiled, I added the pork and noticed it turned white and firm, so I took it out ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless you are consuming fresh pork, generally, parasites cannot survive in meat that has been frozen. Therefore, the likelihood of getting sick from parasites is quite low; it is more probable to experience foodborne illness from bacteria. Given the situation you described, the ...[Read More] Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Accidental ingestion of untreated water? Hello doctor, I was filling my cup with boiled water at home while there was already a little water in it. At first, I didn't think much of it, but later I became concerned about the possibility that the original water in the cup was ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
In Taiwan, tap water is disinfected with chlorine, so there is generally no issue with parasites. While it is possible to ingest small amounts of bacteria, it usually does not cause any discomfort, so there is no need to worry too much![Read More] Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Touching a snail that is eating does not directly lead to a risk of parasitic infection. However, snails can carry parasites, such as those that cause schistosomiasis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water or soil. It is important to practice ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis is unlikely; it typically requires the consumption of raw snails and occurs in individuals with compromised immune systems. 2. If experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, or diarrhea, seek medical consultation and testing at a...[Read More] Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Consumption of undercooked pork? Hello: During dinner, I pan-fried some frozen pork collar, and since the meat was cut a bit thick and possibly not fully thawed, I cooked it for about 10 minutes before eating. After consuming some, I noticed the meat was pink, indicating it might...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
1. If there have been no symptoms of diarrhea in the past few days, can we rule out concerns, or is there still a possibility of parasitic infection even without diarrhea? 2. How long should one observe symptoms to determine if an infection has occurred? Generally, if there are...[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: When to See a Doctor?
Consumption of suspected undercooked pork? Hello doctor, I went out for barbecue with friends during the Double Ten holiday and ate one or two pieces of pork that seemed undercooked. I read online that there is a chance of parasites. Currently, I have slight abdominal pain and ha...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to monitor your stool for the presence of any eggs or worms this week. If there are none, it is likely that there is no issue.[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: When to See a Doctor?
Concerns About Eating Food Contaminated with Cockroaches: What to Do?
Eating food that contains cockroaches? 1. I found a small dead cockroach in my bowl while having breakfast. I'm not sure if it was crushed by the food or scalded by the freshly cooked food. At that moment, I didn't think much of it and continued eating. Halfway through,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Theoretically, there is a risk of transmission, but in practice, the number of human infection cases domestically is quite low, and the risk of transmission from a single exposure is very low. 2. The roundworm typically resides in locations such as the oral cavity and esopha...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Food Contaminated with Cockroaches: What to Do?
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Contact with Stray Cat Waste
Parasitic infection Hello, doctor. I accidentally came into contact with the vomit of a stray cat I care for, and then I unintentionally ingested some food that had touched it. Could this lead to an infection with the pork tapeworm? I have seen this stray cat eating raw pork, so ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
No, pork tapeworms generally do not appear in cat vomit. The likelihood of a cat acquiring parasites from a single ingestion of something from its gastrointestinal tract is also very low. Preventive medication or special monitoring is not recommended.[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Contact with Stray Cat Waste