A 52-year-old man in the United States was diagnosed with a rare brain infection caused by parasitic worms, believed to be contracted from years of eating undercooked bacon. The condition, known as neurocysticercosis, was identified after he sought medical attention for persistent migraines and skull pain. This infection, which can range from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening, results from ingesting tapeworm eggs found in contaminated or undercooked pork.

The presence of cystic foci and tapeworm larvae in the man’s brain led to the diagnosis, with the American Journal of Case Reports highlighting the case as an unusual instance due to the patient’s lack of recent travel to endemic areas or known contact with pigs. Despite the absence of these typical risk factors, the man’s preference for lightly cooked bacon pointed to the source of the infection. He was treated with anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medications and responded positively to the treatment.

Neurocysticercosis is caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium and can cause symptoms such as seizures, headaches, dizziness, and even stroke. While more common in regions with poor sanitation and free-ranging pigs, the United States reports about 1,000 hospitalizations due to this condition annually, notably in states like New York, California, Texas, Oregon, and Illinois. The disease is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Neglected Parasitic Infection, a designation that underscores the need for greater awareness and understanding among healthcare professionals.

This case has raised attention to the risks associated with consuming undercooked meat and stressed the importance of food safety practices, including proper cooking and hand hygiene, to prevent such infections.