Medical professionals in China successfully remove a 18-centimeter long worm from a man's skull

In April 2024, a resident of Hunan province in China experienced health problems that would later be traced back to a rare parasite found in his brain. The resident, who had lived in the province until 2019, had been complaining of "mosaic" spots in his field of vision and a sensation of a foreign body in his eyes.

Despite these symptoms, an initial eye exam did not reveal any abnormalities. However, an MRI showed the presence of a foreign object in his brain, leading doctors to suspect something more sinister. They suspected that the parasite's larvae may have entered the patient's body through the ingestion of raw snake bile, a practice the patient had recalled several years ago.

The patient's condition continued to deteriorate over the next year, with seizures, fainting, and foaming at the mouth becoming common. By July 2025, his condition had significantly worsened, prompting doctors to perform surgery. The surgery took place in China, and during the procedure, doctors discovered a live parasite of the Spirometra genus in the resident's brain.

Experts suggest that the patient may have contracted the parasite from consuming contaminated food or water. Infection with the parasite can also occur from drinking raw water or consuming insufficiently heat-treated snake, fish, or frog meat. The parasite found in the patient's brain is of the Spirometra genus, known for its larvae migrating to various parts of the body, including the brain.

The news of this unusual case was reported by the news outlet Mothership. The patient's case serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked meat and contaminated water. It also highlights the importance of proper food preparation and water treatment to prevent parasitic infections.

After ten days of treatment and observation, the resident was discharged from the hospital. However, the full recovery is still uncertain, given the rarity and severity of the parasite's infection. This case underscores the need for increased awareness and education about food and water safety in China and beyond.

Medical professionals in China successfully remove a 18-centimeter long worm from a man's skull