Nearly-10-meter pork tapeworm found parasitizing man in Vietnam

According to the Hai Phong Department of Health, the patient, identified as D.N.H., a 37-year-old resident of Ai Quoc Ward, sought medical care after experiencing prolonged digestive disorders.

Doctors said the man became extremely alarmed after discovering a long, unusual object, later identified as a pork tapeworm, following a bowel movement.

He had initially dismissed his symptoms as a common digestive issue and did not seek medical attention until the startling discovery.

Medical history revealed that the patient frequently consumed raw and undercooked dishes, including raw fish salad and fresh animal blood pudding, practices that significantly increase the risk of parasitic infections.

Laboratory tests conducted at Hai Duong Tropical Diseases Hospital confirmed that the patient was simultaneously infected with four dangerous parasites, including dog and cat roundworms, liver flukes, dog tapeworms, and pork tapeworms.

The pork tapeworm was determined to be responsible for the nearly-10-meter parasite found in his body.

The municipal Department of Health said that this was not an isolated case.

Since early December, Hai Duong Tropical Diseases Hospital has recorded three particularly serious parasitic infection cases, including two patients infected with four different parasites at the same time.

Doctors observed that many patients shared similar symptoms, including persistent itching, prolonged skin rashes, and recurring redness that did not respond to dermatological treatment.

These symptoms significantly disrupted daily life and reduced quality of living.

Another patient, identified as N.T.M., who lives on Thang Loi Street in Tan Hung Ward, sought treatment after developing severe itching and clusters of bumps on her arms and legs.

Initially suspecting a liver-related condition, she was later diagnosed with a dog tapeworm infection following clinical testing.

Vu Thi Thanh Huyen, a doctor from Hai Duong Tropical Diseases Hospital, said most patients initially come in for liver-related complaints, but testing often reveals infections with dog and cat roundworms, tapeworms, and other parasites.

Health officials strongly advise the public not to ignore persistent digestive issues or long-lasting skin symptoms.

They recommend eating thoroughly cooked food, boiling drinking water, avoiding raw or undercooked dishes, maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, and deworming pets regularly.

People experiencing prolonged itching, hives, unexplained weight loss, or digestive problems should seek specialized medical testing promptly.

Doctors also warned against self-medicating at home, as improper treatment may mask symptoms, delay diagnosis, or lead to serious complications.