Q: Which doctor should be consulted if I have Neurocystcercosis?
A: A neurologist should be consulted.
Q: How can I get cysticercosis infection?
A: It occurs due to accidental swallowing of pork tapeworm eggs. Tapeworm eggs are normally passed during the bowel movement of a person who is infected. If this infected material contaminates drinking water or food it can be consumed and this can lead to infection with the pork tapeworm.
Q: What is auto-infection with pork tapeworm?
A: If a person who is infected with this worm puts contaminated fingers in the mouth they can re-infect themselves with the parasite.
Q: What happens when I get infected with pork tapeworm?
A: Once the infected material is swallowed, the egg hatches when it encounters the acids of the stomach. The larva then penetrates the intestine, and takes the route of the blood vessels to develop into cysticerci in the muscles, brain, or eyes.
Q: What precautions should I take to avoid pork tapeworm infection?
A: Avoid eating raw vegetable unless you are sure that they are washed well. If you are a non-vegetarian and worried of about this infection, the only way to avoid it is by not consuming pork. People handling food items, like cooks and chefs, should not be carrying this infection. After bowel movements it should be mandatory for all these staff to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Q: Is there a vaccine for neurocysticercosis?
A: No, at present there is no vaccine.
Q: What are the universal precautions to avoid neurocysticercosis?
A:
- Wash all vegetables 2 to 3 times scrub them nicely, especially the ones which are eaten raw.
- Always peel carrots, cucumbers, radishes, etc.
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Insist that kids wash their hands before eating, after playing, after coming back from outside, etc.
- Avoid having food off the streets.
- Always have boiled drinking water.
