In humans, parasite infections are more common in developing areas than in urban settings but can be carried to cities by immigrants or travelers returning home. Asia, Africa and Latin American travelers in particular may be sources for them.
Ways to Acquire a Parasite
There are several types of parasites. They include tapeworms, whipworms, dog tapeworms, roundworms and Toxoplasma gondii, among others.
While there are several ways a parasite can enter the body, most are ingested through the mouth or skin, usually through food. That’s why travelers to foreign countries are advised never to eat raw foods or drink water without filtering or boiling. The standard advice is to cook, peel or boil anything before ingesting.
But not every parasitic infection is brought from other areas. Some infections occur because of poor sanitation practices at institutions or care centers, while still others may be acquired through sexual practices.
Children and the elderly are most likely to be at risk of infection and having a weakened immune system caused by HIV/AIDS can also make someone particularly vulnerable. How long the patient is ill and how seriously the illness progresses is a matter of individual health and the specific parasite that caused the illness. A pregnant woman who acquires a parasite will need to be treated and monitored closely so as not to harm the fetus.