On 25/7, Medlatec General Hospital reported a 29-year-old female patient suffering from intense itching on her legs, arms, and back, particularly after showering and at night. Test results revealed infections of both dog tapeworm and roundworm commonly found in dogs and cats.

The patient reported owning a dog and regularly consuming raw vegetables and seafood. Doctors believe these habits facilitated the parasitic infections. She received medication and guidance on lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence.

Dr. Pham Thi Bach Qui, an infectious disease specialist, explained that parasitic infections spread through various channels, primarily contact with environments contaminated by parasite eggs. These eggs can cling to raw vegetables, fruit, undercooked meat, or unfiltered water. Upon ingestion, the eggs hatch and mature into adult worms within the human body.

Parasite eggs can also attach to hands after contact with soil, feces, or contaminated objects. If hands aren't washed thoroughly before eating, the eggs can enter the mouth and cause infection. Larvae of some parasites can penetrate the skin when walking barefoot on damp soil, especially in rural areas.

Keeping dogs and cats as pets, especially if allowed to roam freely, is a common cause of increased parasitic infections. Many people treat their pets like close companions, frequently hugging, kissing, and even sleeping with them. However, neglecting hygiene significantly raises the risk of infection.

Illustrative photo: Tam Linh

Common initial symptoms of parasitic infections include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting or passing worms in stool, itching, rashes, and allergic skin reactions. Untreated infections can lead to malnutrition, anemia, pallor, and weakened immunity, creating an environment for other illnesses like vitamin deficiencies, malaria, dysentery, and tuberculosis.

In severe cases, parasitic infections can cause dangerous complications such as intestinal blockage, intussusception, appendicitis, intestinal perforation, peritonitis, bile duct obstruction, bile duct infection, pancreatitis, cirrhosis with ascites, liver tumors, and even liver abscesses.

Doctors recommend maintaining personal hygiene by washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet, and avoiding sharing personal items like toothbrushes and towels. They also advise keeping living spaces clean and refraining from using fresh manure as fertilizer or in fish farming. Consuming cooked food and boiled water, ensuring food safety, and avoiding raw or undercooked food, especially from unsanitary vendors, are crucial.

Limiting direct contact with pets, particularly hugging, kissing, and sleeping together, is also important. Regular deworming for both humans and pets is recommended, as well as proactive check-ups at medical facilities, especially if any symptoms arise.

Thuy Quynh