Florida Man Diagnosed with Rare Brain Infection from Tapeworm Larvae Linked to Undercooked Bacon

The case underscores the critical importance of proper food preparation and hygiene practices.

A 52-year-old Florida man suffering from worsening migraines was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, a rare brain infection caused by tapeworm larvae, after consuming undercooked bacon.
The man had a history of eating lightly cooked bacon and did not travel to high-risk areas or have close contact with pigs, suggesting the infection was due to poor hygiene practices.
Neurocysticercosis is linked to the ingestion of tapeworm eggs found in the feces of infected individuals and can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including seizures and potentially fatal outcomes if untreated.
The condition is treated with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory medications, and the patient showed improvement after treatment.
This case highlights the importance of proper food preparation and personal hygiene to prevent such infections, especially in areas where the disease is not commonly found.