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All About Flukes
Worms, a parasitic nuisance that many people in both the developing and modern world have to contend with, come in all shapes and sizes. Flukes, scientifically known as trematoda, belong to the family of flatworms. While most are harmless, some can cause infections once they take hold in the human intestines. Fortunately, these infections are both preventable and treatable if contracted.
What are Flukes?
Intestinal flukes are parasitic worms that include a variety of species. All are flat, hermaphroditic, and though up to 70 types of these worms may live in the human intestines, only a few are known to cause actual symptoms of infection. They may range in size from a couple of millimeters to a couple of centimeters, and are most commonly found in Southeast Asia and some parts of Africa.
Thriving in aquatic environments, flukes are commonly ingested in contaminated water or food that has grown in water, including fish or vegetation. Once ingested, they come equipped with two suckers to attach themselves to the intestinal walls of the host, and survive off of the nutrients secreted there.
Signs and Symptoms of Flukes
Most often, fluke infection contains no symptoms. There may be a general feeling of ill-being if the flukes are taking nutrients away from the body. If there are a large number of flukes in the body, the following symptoms may be an indication of infection:
- Loose stools
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
In extreme cases, the skin may take on a grayish tint and extreme fatigue is felt. There may be complete loss of appetite and a paralysis of the limbs. If experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek out a doctor’s advice immediately.
Risk Factors for Flukes
Flukes are most commonly acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water. They can be carried in secondary hosts, including snails, aquatic vegetation, or fish. If a human ingests these secondary hosts, then they too can be infected with the flukes. Southeast Asia is noted as having an especially high rate of fluke infection due to diet, particularly in aquatic areas.
High-Risk Foods in Affected Areas
- Water chestnuts
- Oysters
- Snails
- Mollusks
- Undercooked frog legs
The easiest way to avoid infection is to take extra care when traveling in areas that may have a high incidence of fluke infection. However, if infection does occur despite preventive techniques, treatment is only a pill away.
Treatment for Flukes
Intestinal flukes can be battled with medication, which is taken orally. This kills the parasites within the body and helps flush them out of the intestines.
Particularly if traveling to areas where intestinal flukes are common, it’s important to use an extra degree of caution when preparing and ingesting food, especially vegetables that may have come into contact with contaminated water.
Prevention Tips:
- Thoroughly cook all fish
- Immerse raw vegetables in boiling water for a few seconds to sterilize
- Drink only bottled or purified water
Ultimately, while intestinal flukes can be a great inconvenience, their contraction is mostly preventable and easily treated.
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