Parasitic Infections in the United States
Parasitic infections are often associated with tropical areas. However, these infections are also present in the United States.
Parasitic diseases in the United States that are priorities for public health action are based on the
- Number of people infected,
- Severity of the illnesses, and
- Ability to prevent and treat them.
These diseases include Chagas disease, cyclosporiasis, cysticercosis, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, and trichomoniasis.
Anyone can become infected although certain racial or ethnic minority groups, persons born outside the United States, and people with lower incomes appear to be most at risk.
CDC is working to protect people from these health threats by
- Increasing awareness among physicians and the public,
- Conducting surveillance for these diseases,
- Synthesizing the existing data to help better understand these infections,
- Improving diagnostic testing, and
- Advising on treatment, including providing otherwise unavailable drugs for selected parasitic infections.
- Neurocysticercosis: Leading Cause of Acquired Epilepsy Worldwideexternal icon
- NPIs in the United States: Special Section in May 2014 AJTMH(https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/resources/783.full.pdf)
- Neglected parasitic infections: What every family physician needs to knowexternal icon
- CDC Digital Press Kit on NPIs in the United States
- Medscape Slide Show on NPIs in the United Statesexternal icon