Parasitic infections are often mischaracterized as a problem confined to developing nations, with many Americans believing such diseases are rare or non-existent in the U.S. However, millions of Americans are affected by parasites each year. This misconception can result in significant health issues that go untreated for years, as many parasitic infections present symptoms similar to other chronic conditions.

These overlooked infections can cause long-term health complications ranging from gastrointestinal issues to autoimmune disorders, making it critical to revise the public and medical understanding of these diseases.

The Underestimated Prevalence of Parasitic Diseases

Despite the assumption that parasitic infections are rare in the U.S., research shows they are more common than widely believed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates millions of Americans are currently living with undiagnosed parasitic infections, which are often dismissed or misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with other health conditions Rupa Health.

Gastrointestinal discomfort is typically the first sign of a parasitic infection, but other symptoms include chronic fatigue, anemia, immune system issues, and even mental health disturbances.

Neglected Parasitic Infections in the U.S.

Several parasitic infections are officially classified as "neglected" by the CDC. Among these are Chagas disease, toxoplasmosis, and cysticercosis, which continue to affect thousands in the U.S. each year. Chagas disease, for instance, affects an estimated 300,000 people in the U.S. alone. Transmitted primarily by kissing bugs, this disease can lead to severe heart disease or stroke if untreated American Family Physician.

Another neglected infection, toxoplasmosis, is estimated to affect 11% of people over six years of age in the U.S., often spread through contaminated food or exposure to infected cat feces. These diseases disproportionately affect people in impoverished areas where sanitation infrastructure is lacking.

Sanitation and Poverty: A Driving Force

In impoverished regions of the U.S., such as the Mississippi Delta and parts of rural Alabama, the absence of proper sanitation infrastructure has allowed parasitic infections like hookworm to re-emerge. Hookworm thrives in areas with inadequate sewage systems, where contaminated soil and water become breeding grounds for parasitic worms. A study found that up to 19 of 55 people tested in Lowndes County, Alabama, had active hookworm infections NPR. Such infections not only cause physical discomfort but also have long-term health consequences, including stunted growth in children and severe anemia in adults.

These infections primarily affect low-income, minority communities. In these areas, access to healthcare is limited, and untreated infections contribute to chronic health problems. In many cases, treatments for these infections are available but unaffordable, costing hundreds of dollars for medication that costs pennies in other countries The Conversation.

The Cost of Mischaracterization

The mischaracterization of parasitic infections as a problem exclusive to developing nations has led to a lack of awareness and resources to combat these diseases domestically. Without adequate research and surveillance, it is difficult to know the full extent of parasitic infections in the U.S. The CDC and local health departments continue to prioritize other health concerns, leaving parasitic infections on the backburner American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

However, efforts are underway to change this. Increased awareness, coupled with legal action like the Biden administration’s landmark ruling against Alabama's sanitation policies, is beginning to bring attention to the serious public health threat posed by parasitic infections in neglected communities Reuters.

The Path Forward

To mitigate the impact of parasitic infections, public health efforts need to shift toward better awareness, improved sanitation, and access to affordable treatment. Education is key. Many infections can be prevented with simple measures, such as wearing shoes to prevent hookworm or avoiding undercooked meats that may carry Toxoplasma gondii. Testing and treatment must also become more accessible, especially in impoverished areas where these infections are most prevalent ScienceDirect.

For the U.S. to truly tackle the issue of parasitic infections, there must be a national commitment to investing in sanitation, healthcare access, and education. This not only will prevent the spread of these diseases but will also contribute to health equity across all communities.

The time to act is now before these forgotten infections create even more substantial health disparities. Click below to take action, fight stigma, and call on the CDC to better support Americans who are vulnerable to parasitic infections