How to Avoid 'Pork Worms' After a Man Developed Them in His Brain

A recent case study highlighted the serious risks of eating undercooked meat after an individual developed a parasitic infection in his brain. The man, a 52-year-old with a lifelong preference for "lightly cooked" bacon, was hospitalized with severe migraines. Doctors discovered his brain was covered in cysts filled with tapeworm larvae, a condition known as cysticercosis.

This infection occurs when someone ingests the eggs of the Taenia solium tapeworm, which are often found in undercooked pork. While this type of infection is rare in developed countries, it can lead to serious health complications

How to Prevent Tapeworm Infections

Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to prevent tapeworm infections and other foodborne illnesses.

1. Cook Your Meat Thoroughly

Proper cooking is the most important step in killing tapeworm larvae. According to health guidelines, all meat should be cooked to a specific internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.

• Whole cuts of meat (like pork chops): Cook to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) and let them rest for three minutes before serving.

• Ground meat (like ground pork or sausage): Cook to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).

Experts emphasize that smoking or drying meat is not enough to kill these parasites.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

Washing your hands is a simple but critical habit. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom and before handling or preparing any food. This helps prevent the spread of any potential parasites.

3. Ensure Water is Safe

Unsafe water sources can also be a cause of infection. If you are in an area with untreated water, the Cleveland Clinic recommends boiling it for at least one minute before drinking. You can also use a water filter that is rated for "absolute 1 micron or less" and add dissolved iodine tablets for extra protection.

By following these simple food safety and hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of a tapeworm infection and other foodborne illnesses.