Common Parasites in Humans: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention

There are three main types of parasites that can infect humans:

Worms

• Roundworms: These long, thin worms live in the intestines. People get infected by accidentally swallowing eggs in dirty food or soil. Symptoms include stomach pain, weight loss, and feeling tired.

• Tapeworms: These flat, ribbon-like worms can grow very long inside the intestines. People usually get them from eating undercooked meat. They can cause stomach discomfort and weight loss.

• Hookworms: These tiny worms enter through the skin, often when someone walks barefoot on dirty soil. They attach to the intestines and can cause anemia (low blood iron) and tiredness.

• Whipworms: These worms live in the large intestine. People get them by eating food or touching soil with eggs in it. They cause stomach pain and diarrhea.

Protozoa (Single-celled Parasites)

• Giardia: This parasite is often found in dirty water. It causes stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

• Malaria: This is spread through mosquito bites. It infects the blood and causes high fevers, chills, and other bad symptoms.

• Toxoplasma: This parasite spreads through contact with cat poop or eating undercooked meat. It can be dangerous for pregnant women because it might harm their babies.

Ectoparasites (Outer Body Parasites)

• Lice: These tiny insects can live in hair on the head, body, or private areas. They cause itching and discomfort and spread easily through close contact.

• Scabies: These are tiny mites that dig into the skin, causing intense itching and rashes.

• Ticks: These tiny bugs attach to the skin and can spread diseases like Lyme disease when they bite. Symptoms include fever, rash, and feeling tired.

Understanding how parasites spread helps prevent infections. Here are common ways parasites enter the human body:

Dirty Food and Water

Many parasites, especially single-celled ones and worms, can be found in contaminated food and water.

• Giardia is often in untreated water. People get infected by drinking it or swimming in it.

• Roundworms and hookworms can be swallowed when eating fruits and vegetables grown in dirty soil or washed with dirty water.

To reduce the risk, always wash fruits and vegetables well and drink clean, treated water.

Poor Hygiene

Not keeping clean can lead to parasite spread.

• Pinworms spread quickly when an infected person scratches their itchy bottom and then touches surfaces, toys, or food.

• Lice and Scabies spread through close contact. Sharing hats, combs, or bedding can cause infestations.

Washing hands often and not sharing personal items can greatly reduce the chance of spreading these parasites.

Bug Bites

Some parasites spread through insect bites.

• Mosquitoes can spread malaria and other diseases.

• Ticks attach to skin when people walk in woods or grassy areas.

Using bug spray and wearing protective clothing can help prevent these bites.

Contact with Infected Animals

Some parasites spread through contact with infected animals.

• Toxoplasma is commonly found in cats. Handling cat litter boxes can lead to infection.

• Tapeworms can spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.

Handle food safely and avoid contact with animals that might be infected.

The signs of parasite infections vary depending on the type of parasite and what part of the body is affected.

Stomach and Digestive Symptoms

• Diarrhea (frequent, watery poop)

• Stomach pain and cramping

• Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up

• Not feeling hungry

Skin Symptoms

• Itching

• Rashes or sores

General Symptoms

• Feeling very tired

• Losing weight without trying

• Fever

Symptoms in Children

Children may show:

• Being cranky or fussy

• Wetting the bed

• Poor growth

If you or your child have lasting or bad symptoms that might be from a parasite infection, talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent problems and improve recovery.

See a doctor if you have:

1. Lasting or severe symptoms like ongoing stomach pain, diarrhea for more than a couple of days, or losing weight without trying.

2. Signs of dehydration like dry mouth, feeling dizzy, or peeing less than normal.

3. Blood in your poop or throw up

4. Signs of infection like fever, chills, or extreme tiredness along with stomach problems.

5. Recently traveled to areas known for parasites and developed symptoms.

6. Weak immune system due to other health conditions, even with mild symptoms.