What exactly is a parasite? The scientific definition is “a plant or animal organism that lives in or on, and takes its nourishment from, another organism, which it often injures.” Intestinal parasites range from microscopic, single-celled protozoan to yard-long tapeworms.

Parasites in their larval stage are consumed in uncooked or undercooked meat and seafood or on unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables. Because these are some of the primary vectors for parasites, food handlers are often inadvertently responsible for the the rising number of infestations in the U.S. today. Many food handlers are recent immigrants from countries where parasitic infestation rates are significantly higher than in the U.S.

Transmission of parasites is also increased among kids in daycare centers and schools, where they come in contact with many more infected children. An additional problem is keeping pets with us in living quarters. Dogs can transmit 65 known parasites to humans, while cats carryabout 40 that affect people. Pinworm is the most common helminthic (or "worm") infection in the US. It is most commonly transmitted person-to-person, especially through the handling of contaminated clothes and bed linens. Pinworm can also be acquired through coming in contact with contaminated surfaces like curtains and carpeting. Kind of makes you think twice about that nice "clean" hotel room you may be staying in on your next vacation, doesn't it?