Parasites
Latest about parasites
![Sand fleas are parasites that burrow into people's skin, causing intense pain, itching and inflammation. A new report describes five cases of "extreme" sand flea infections. Above, an image showing embedded sand fleas on the back of a patient's hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/paNZNanU7s94aoki22VBHf-320-80.jpg)
How Sand Fleas Cause 'Extreme' Infections
By Rachael Rettner published
A new report describes five cases of "extreme" sand flea infections in Colombia, showing that life-threatening illnesses with this parasite still occur.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kkLyDrBWXAoShH5zVEBALK-320-80.jpg)
So Many Ticks Were Feasting on This Unlucky Python, They Looked Like Living Scales
By Mindy Weisberger published
Some 511 bloodsucking ticks were removed from this snake.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/H2KP8mJma5fVqwPkysoejM-320-80.jpg)
10 Strangest Medical Cases of 2018
By Rachael Rettner published
Here are the most intriguing medical cases made headlines in 2018
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a7adEhVmWkneePxWM7hMJK-320-80.jpg)
Man Dies 8 Years After Swallowing a Live Slug That Left Him Paralyzed
By Mindy Weisberger published
Swallowing a live garden slug led to a serious parasitic infection for an Australian teen.
![A number of dogs working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have been infected with a parasite that can lead to heart problems. Above, researchers place a 24-hour heart monitor on a DHS dog to check for heart problems.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ivv6MwtPJ5fiVQgH3SwVFM-320-80.jpg)
US Homeland Security Dogs Face a Growing Occupational Risk: A Nasty Parasite
By Rachael Rettner published
A surprising number of dogs working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are infected with this parasite, according to a new study.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jtLEUnf8jZHshs9tpFXEaC-320-80.jpg)
Medieval Germans Riddled with Tapeworms
By Mindy Weisberger published
Archaeologists peek into the past by prodding preserved human poo.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dCYPUSYw7rnnLmZ9S3KmA3-320-80.jpg)
Bee That Was Looking for Love Ends Up Wearing a 'Vest' of Parasitic Beetle Larvae
By Mindy Weisberger published
Want to see a photo of a bee parasitized by dozens of beetle larvae? Wait, where are you going?
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c3UcMmXcWAaACVHR3MZKZX-320-80.jpg)
Ancient 'Alien' Wasp Hijacked Fly Pupae, Ate the Flies Inside
By Mindy Weisberger published
Fossil fly pupae contain evidence of a fascinating —and deadly — story of insect parasitism in the ancient world.
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