Parasitic Diseases: How People Get Parasites, and How to Avoid Them

What parasites are

Parasites are living things that use other living things — like your body — for food and a place to live. They range from tiny, one-celled organisms called protozoa to worms you can see with the naked eye.

How you get them

• contaminated food or water;
• a bug bite;
• sexual contact.

Some parasitic diseases are easily treated; others are not.

Parasites in the U.S. and abroad

• Giardia: infections can come from contaminated water supplies.
• Toxoplasmosis: cats can pass it on, and it is dangerous for pregnant women.
• Malaria and others are common in other parts of the world.

Prevention and treatment

Prevention is especially important: there are no vaccines for parasitic diseases. When you travel, drink only water you know is safe. Some medicines can treat parasitic infections.

Sources

Based on "Parasitic Diseases," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.