Disturbing scans reveal the impact on a 23-year-old woman whose body became infested with parasites after consuming raw meat.
Local media reports that Tingting (a pseudonym) from Yubeng Village, Deqin County, China, began experiencing headaches, thigh pain, and eye discomfort in 2016.
Doctors recommended an MRI and CT scan, and they were shocked by the results.
The girl had contracted cysticercosis, an infection caused by ingesting tapeworm eggs. Yikes.
The microscopic parasites invaded Tingting’s back muscles, abdomen, eyes, and brain.
Her brother suggested a possible cause for this alarming medical condition: the family often consumed raw pork on the days they slaughtered a pig.
Tingting had been eating raw pork since her teens. Her brother was also tested for the condition but received a clean bill of health.
Professor Meng Qiang, chief physician of the Department of Neurology at the Provincial First Hospital, reported, “The patient had bulging eyes, retinal hemorrhage, multiple infections throughout the body, and epileptic seizures.”
The doctor noted that cases like Tingting’s can lead to very serious consequences.
He added, “The most common issue is epilepsy, but it can also lead to intellectual impairment. Some patients may experience limb paralysis, language dysfunction, sensory impairment, and more.”
To treat Tingting, they planned to administer small doses of insecticides.
If not managed carefully, her condition could worsen as the parasites die, potentially leading to “inflammatory reactions or severe allergic reactions.”
The X-ray photos have left many commenters on the internet feeling both grossed out and concerned about the woman’s condition.
“This is so gross,” said one commenter on X. “They’re so small you don’t even realize they’re invading your body or surroundings.”
Another commenter wrote, “I stopped reading after it mentioned worms being found in the eyeball.”
A third commenter expressed concern, asking, “Is she still alive?”
While it’s unclear what ultimately happened to the woman after the disease was discovered, there are straightforward methods to prevent cysticercosis.
The CDC recommends washing your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food. Additionally, wash and peel fruits and vegetables before eating them. In countries where tap water is unsafe, drink bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least one minute.
And, of course, avoid eating raw pork.
