Parasites
Latest about parasites
![This image of a muscle tissue cell, magnified 1200X, reveals a cluster of Trypanosoma cruzi organisms.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7hFVcSsUTtQByQp8jpU87C-320-80.jpg)
Heart-warming? More like heart-harming. Here are 5 cardiac parasites ... for Valentine's Day
By Mindy Weisberger published
Some types of parasitic infections can lead to serious heart problems.
![An image of the pork tapeworm <em>Taenia solium</em>.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MFN87RR7rNDCTkJe7swov6-320-80.jpg)
6 Times Parasites Grossed Us Out in 2019
By Rachael Rettner published
Here are the weirdest parasitic infections we covered this year.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7jUz6WuwaLUzAUbXPS766d-320-80.jpg)
As If Ticks Weren't Terrifying Enough, This Giant Bloodsucker Will Hunt You Down
By Mindy Weisberger published
Unlike its more patient tick cousins, this supersize parasite pursues its prey.
![The parasite <em>Cyclospora</em> can cause intestinal illness. Above, an image taken with a microscope showing <em>Cyclospora</em> eggs (red) in a stool sample.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KeXECiSZZFhvruwU2pR6ah-320-80.jpg)
Foodborne Parasite Sickens 100 in Massachusetts. No Source Has Been Found.
By Rachael Rettner published
Infections with an intestinal parasite have surged in Massachusetts in recent months, according to health officials.
![This semi slug (<em>Parmarion martensi</em> may be a carrier of rat lungworm disease.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2azwbyxaqhQX5E2Y4sAmeP-320-80.jpg)
Invasive Semislug That Likes to Climb May Be Infecting Hawaiians with Brain Parasite
By Cari Nierenberg published
People may be picking up rat lungworm disease by eating a fast-climbing creature that's part slug, part snail.
![A swimming pool.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aPJ9M6KPUMbRwXYZbZP3jS-320-80.jpg)
'Crypto' Outbreaks Linked to Swimming Pools Are on the Rise, CDC Says
By Rachael Rettner published
Not to spoil your summer pool fun, but outbreaks of "crypto," a swimming-related diarrheal illness, are on the rise.
![cicadas on fungal hallucinogens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Rj6ABJ8jRzLJ8weiVyrx8H-320-80.jpg)
This Fungal Hallucinogen Makes Cicadas Orgy Till Their Butts Literally Fall Off
By Isobel Whitcomb published
Their bodies may disintegrate, but these bugs don’t care.
![An image of the pork tapeworm <em>Taenia solium</em>.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MFN87RR7rNDCTkJe7swov6-320-80.jpg)
Woman Had a Huge Tapeworm 'Egg' Encased in Her Brain. Why She's Super Happy About It.
By Rachael Rettner published
When is it a huge relief to hear you have a parasite lurking in your brain? When it's not a cancerous brain tumor.
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