ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cysticercosis

Imagine there are tiny creatures, called cysts, that live in our brains and bodies. These cysts come from a worm called Taenia solium, which is a type of parasite that can live in pigs.

When we eat undercooked pork meat that has the worm, the worm can go inside our body and lay its eggs. These eggs can hatch and become cysts, which can travel to different parts of our body and cause problems.

The cysts can affect different organs and tissues, such as the brain, muscles, or eyes, and cause symptoms like headaches, seizures, muscle pain, or vision problems. Sometimes the cysts can also cause more serious complications, like brain swelling or nerve damage.

To prevent cysticercosis, it's important to cook pork meat well-done and to wash your hands properly after handling raw meat. If you think you may have cysticercosis, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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