The Lousy Parasites Are Here!

Attention, Attention! We're all going to die! Sometime! Could we just delay it for a while?

I hope?

Those little parasites just might put us in the hospital for a while or they might even do us in.

What? Again? Aren't we sick and tired of hearing about problems with our food and drink that

can give us cancer or even kill us? Seems like there's something every week!

Ooooohhhhhh! I think I can feel all those creepy crawlies inside me already! And are they

creeping up my back on the outside? Ugh!

Was that my stomach growling or is it one parasite chasing another?

Why is it that with every bite of food we do the old "mouth test"? That's where we keep the

bite in our mouth for a second or so to see if we feel something crawling!

Uuuuggggghhhhh! I think I might look into existing on a liquid diet!

So what is new this time?

Nothing new. Just a re-hash of what we might be injesting and not even knowing it.

The CDC (Center For Disease Control And Prevention) says there are three parasites that

humans don't want to get:

ECTOPARASITES: This is a parasite that is the size of a small seed. It is spread to us by

"ticks" burrowing into our skin. We won't discuss this parasite now since it is usally nothing we

have to worry about in our food or drink.

PROTOZOA: This one and the next causes us concern. It's a one cell organism that we can't

see with the human eye (besides food, we can also get this from a mosquito bite).

HELMINTHS: This is the other bad one! It's visible to the human eye. It's a worm, big or little.

It could also be a big tapeworm! I'm not feeling too well even thinking about it!

So how do we get these 2 critters that we don't want?

From our drink (water) food and even contaminated dirt.

While we can't do much about the dirt (except to be very careful in third

world countries) and wipe or brush our shoes clean, we can do something to help avoid

the parasites in our food and drink.

I knew I was still drinking bottle water for some reason!

The CDC (oversees all these problems) says we should be especially careful with:

1. Sushi: Raw fish. I love it! Why do they always pick on something I love?

2. Crab, Shrimp And Any Seafood: Especially if it is raw or undercooked.

3. Raw Beef Steak (tartare) and Raw Lamb: While these are often delicacies throughout the

world, they are also like sushi. Could be a problem. And many of these raw recipes call for

raw eggs, which could be another problem.

4. The Good Old American Hamburger: If the meat is served looking a pink color, it is

generally undercooked and could be another problem.

5. Deli Meats: Oh, no! Not that! I love them! The CDC says this could also be a problem.

But just between us (don't tell anyone), I think I just might close my eyes and eat them

anyway! At least I'll give it the old "mouth test" to see if anything is wiggling before I swallow!

6. Vegetables: It is suggested that we all wash our veggies thoroughly. They could be

infected if they have had contact with feces.

7. Water: It's no wonder that so many tourists drink bottled liquids. Especially in "poor" areas

of the world. One you have experienced "tourista", and spent lots of time in the bathroom,

it's no fun.

It should be pointed out, however, that many experienced tourists say that there is no problem

with the water quality if you are at a good hotel and restaurant. But when in doubt, get

something bottled.

8. Water Plants: Plants that grow in water can also have parasites. Like watercress.

Oh no! I used to eat it raw from the river bed while I was fishing!

9. Food Handlers: This one is the real biggy! Unsanitary food handlers can spread

parasites if they haven't washed their hands properly.

So if we think we might have contracted parasites, the CDC says to contact our local or

county Health Department immediately.

Thank goodness this is the end.

Time For Lunch!