Parasites

Question 1

Anisakis spp.

Answer 1

Type of Illness: Parasitic infection
Symptomsm Coughing if worms attach in throat, vomiting and abdominal pain if worms attach in stomach, sharp pain and fever if worms attach in large intestine
Onset: 1 hour to 2 weeks
Common Foods: Raw or undercooked seafood, especially bottom-feeding fish
Prevention: Cook fish to the proper temperature throughout, freeze to meet FDA FoodCode specifications, inspect seafood and handle carefully, purchase seafood from approved supplier

Question 2

Cyclospora cayetanensis

Answer 2

Type of Illness: Parasitic infection
Symptoms: Watery and explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating
Onset: Usually within 1 week, symptoms persist for weeks or months if untreated
Common Foods: Contaminated water, strawberries, raspberries, and fresh produce
Prevention: Use good sanitation and personal hygiene, purchase foods from reputable
supplier

Question 3

Crypto sporidium parvum

Answer 3

Type of Illness: Parasitic infection
Symptoms: Severe watery diarrhea
Onset: Within 1 week of ingestion
Common Foods: Contaminated water, food contaminated by infected food employees
Prevention: Use potable water supply; practice good personal hygiene and
handwashing

Question 4

Trichi-nellae spiralis

Answer 4

Type of Illness: Parasitic infection from a nematode worm
Symptoms: Early symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, abdominal pain; in later stages fever, swelling of tissues around eyes, muscle stiffness
Onset: 2 to 28 days, death may occur in severe cases
Common Foods: Primarily undercooked pork products and wild game meats (bear, walrus)
Prevention: Cook foods to the proper temperature throughout (i.e., no pink color in cooked pork products)