Florida Man Diagnosed with Brain Parasites from Undercooked Bacon

A 52-year-old Florida man's severe migraines led to the discovery of parasitic tapeworm larvae in his brain, likely contracted from a lifetime habit of eating undercooked bacon.

• A CT scan and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of neurocysticercosis, a severe parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium.
• The condition, which can lead to seizures and even death, was treated with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory medications, significantly improving the man's symptoms.
• Neurocysticercosis is rare in the U.S. but is becoming more common due to increased international travel and immigration.
• Doctors speculate the man contracted the parasites from his habit of eating lightly cooked bacon and possibly from not washing his hands properly after using the bathroom.
• The case highlights the importance of cooking pork to the recommended temperature and practicing good hygiene to prevent such infections.

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