Millions of Illnesses Linked to Foodborne Parasites in New Research
Summary
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health shows that hundreds of millions of people worldwide get sick from parasites in food every year. The research looked at 14 parasitic diseases from 2000 to 2021 and found that certain parasites cause many illnesses and deaths, especially in the Americas and Africa.Key Facts
- The study estimated 277 million illnesses linked to invasive parasites, with 171 million caused by contaminated food.
- Researchers analyzed data on 14 parasitic diseases between 2000 and 2021.
- Taenia solium and Clonorchis sinensis parasites caused the most foodborne deaths and disability.
- The Americas had the highest disease burden mainly due to Chagas disease, spread by kissing bugs and contaminated food.
- Africa’s high burden was linked to epilepsy caused by neurocysticercosis, which results from larval cyst infections.
- Disease rates from foodborne parasites generally decreased worldwide, except for Clonorchis sinensis, which increased mainly in the Western Pacific region.
- Eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish can spread Clonorchis sinensis, the Chinese liver fluke.
- Experts recommend cooking food well and broader prevention efforts due to the complex life cycles of parasites.
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