Parasitic infection, Internal Medicine FAQ

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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 ...

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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...

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Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance

Eating undercooked pork chop? On the evening of May 20, I ate an air-fried frozen pork chop. Halfway through, I noticed that the meat was tough to chew and had a slightly raw color. The pork chop was a frozen product that I had purchased only two or three days ago. Is there a pos...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist. Consuming contaminated or undercooked food can lead to infections or food poisoning. Thank you.

[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance


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)...

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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?


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...

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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?


Understanding Eosinophil and Lymphocyte Abnormalities in Blood Tests

Examination Report I have been experiencing hand pain for four months and have seen many specialists without improvement. I had multiple blood tests, and the only abnormalities found were an Eosinophil count of 13.1% and a Lymphocyte count of 13.5%. I am unsure what these two abn...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The value of eosinophils is more meaningful when converted to a total count. A high total eosinophil count is more associated with allergic diseases or parasitic infections. The proportion of lymphocytes can fluctuate based on the body's c...

[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil and Lymphocyte Abnormalities in Blood Tests


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?


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


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 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 Infection and Parasites from Snail Contact

Infection and parasitic issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I accidentally kicked a snail while wearing flip-flops (and I'm not sure if my foot made direct contact with the snail), and afterwards I wiped my foot with a wet wipe, is there a concern about parasitic infection? 2. I...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. As long as there are no obvious wounds on the foot, it will not occur. 2. Yes, it can occur. Dupuytren's contracture is caused by repetitive irritation leading to chronic inflammation. Reducing the irritation is an important part of treatment, and you can consult a derm...

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Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next

Eating undercooked pork chops? Hello Dr. Lin, on the evening of June 28, I ate a pork chop (rib) that my family cooked. I only realized that the meat near the bone was undercooked and still red when I bit into it. I wasn't paying attention while using my phone, so I'm n...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Parasites are killed by freezing! Therefore, meat that has been frozen is less likely to carry the risk of transmitting parasites. Undercooked meat usually has a higher bacterial load, but if you don't experience diarrhea within a day or two, there is typically no significan...

[Read More] Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next


Understanding Parasite and Infection Risks from Snail Contact

Parasitic and Infectious Issues Hello Doctor, I am the questioner from <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/197160">#197160</a>. I tend to feel anxious and nervous, so I would like to confirm the following questions with you: 1. If I handle a snail while we...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk is very low. 2. The risk of transmission from a single contact is actually very minimal; it is advised that if you feel fine, there is no need for special concern. 3. The risk from occasional touching is also low, but it is still recommended to wash your hands aft...

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Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds

A person with a wound on their athlete's foot stepped barefoot on a cockroach? 1. Given your situation, the likelihood of contracting a cockroach-related disease from stepping on a cockroach is low, especially since the cockroach did not come into direct contact with your ex...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The chances are very low, as it is merely encountering a cockroach and not being bitten by one. 2. Typically, the risk is higher when consuming food or water contaminated by cockroaches; similar cases are rarely encountered in Taiwan. 3. Different types of parasites or ...

[Read More] Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds


How to Handle Your Child's Pinworm Infection: Essential Tips and Treatments

Childhood parasitic infections Hello Dr. Lin, I apologize for the interruption! I would like to ask what to do if my elementary school daughter has a pinworm infection. The other night, she woke up in the middle of her sleep complaining of itching around her buttocks. Upon checki...


Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
The treatment methods for different intestinal parasitic infections vary, and it is recommended to take children to a healthcare provider for diagnosis and to use antiparasitic medications as prescribed by the physician. Family members living in the same household usually need to...

[Read More] How to Handle Your Child's Pinworm Infection: Essential Tips and Treatments


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