We all know that undercooked chicken can lead to salmonella or food poisoning. But what about pork? It turns out that undercooked or raw pork can have its own terrifying consequences. A recent scan shared by Dr. Sam Ghali, an urgent care doctor from the University of Florida, has revealed the shocking aftermath of eating contaminated pork.

The scan shows signs of a parasitic infection called cysticercosis. This occurs when the larvae of a tapeworm species, known as Taenia Solium or Pork Tapeworm, enter tissues such as muscles or, in severe cases, the brain. The infection causes the formation of hard calcified cysts that can be felt as lumps under the skin. These cysts can light up on medical scans, resembling scattered rice grains all over the body.

Fortunately, these cysts are harmless as long as they stay outside the intestine. However, if they develop in the brain, the condition is known as neurocysticercosis. This can lead to headaches, confusion, seizures, and other serious neurological problems. The tapeworm eggs responsible for this infection can be found in undercooked pork.

The transmission of these eggs occurs through the consumption of infected pork or through the ingestion of tapeworm eggs passed on by infected individuals through their feces. Therefore, it is crucial to note that it is only through fecal-oral transmission that the clinical syndrome of cysticercosis can develop.

Dr. Ghali explains that after ingestion, the eggs release larvae that penetrate the intestinal wall and spread throughout the body. They commonly target the brain, eyes, subcutaneous tissues, and skeletal muscles. Poor hand hygiene after using the toilet or contaminated water are the main culprits for this transmission.

When the cysts enter the brain, they can cause dizziness, seizures, and even a fatal condition known as excess fluid in the brain, which may require surgical intervention. Shockingly, the World Health Organization estimates that cysticercosis developing in the brain is responsible for up to 70% of epilepsy cases in some parts of the world.

While the prognosis for cysticercosis is generally good, with treatment options including anti-parasitic therapy, steroids, anti-epileptics, and surgical removal, it’s crucial to avoid this infection altogether. So, the moral of the story is simple – always cook your pork thoroughly and never take chances with undercooked or raw meat.