Cysticercosis, an infection
caused by the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia
solium, is recognized as an increasingly important cause of
severe neurologic disease in the United States." CDC (Center
for Disease Control) Humans become infected with Cysticercosis when
they ingest the eggs of the Taenia
solium by eating undercooked pork, through contaminated water
or food, or hand to mouth. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae penetrates
the intestine, enters the blood stream, and may develop into cysticerci
(bladder worm) in muscles, brain, or the eyes.
Symptoms of Cysticercosis can be: muscle pains, lumps under skin,
and blurred vision. The symptoms typically occur months to years
after the infection. Infections acquired in the United States have
been transmitted through imported or local produce contaminated
with Taenia solium eggs.
