Hong Kong Integrative Medical Practice
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
New WhatsApp 94563881
Life Clinic, 3rd floor, 33 Wellington St
Email: susan@susanjamieson.com
  • Home
  • Doctors
    • Dr. Susan Jamieson
    • Dr. Denny Tang
    • Dr. Adrian Chi Tong
  • Therapies
    • Functional Medicine / Integrative Medicine
    • Acupuncture
    • Psychology
    • Anti-aging Acupuncture and QI Healing Therapy
    • Allergy Treatments
    • DNA Analysis
    • Hong Kong Gut Health Centre
    • Counselling
    • Mind-Body – Spirit
  • Therapists
    • Dr Susan Jamieson
    • Acupuncture: Pete To
    • Psychotherapy & Counselling: ILISSA Howard
  • Specialties
    • Maintain Your Happiness And Passion
    • Chronic Pain Solution
    • 中文项目
    • Fertility and Hormonal Imbalance Solution
    • Stress and Depression Solution
    • Hong Kong Gut Health Centre
  • Health Articles
    • Child Health
    • Mental Health
    • Gut Health
    • Nutrition
    • Therapies
    • Health Improvement
    • Disease Prevention
    • Weight Loss
    • Health In Hong Kong
    • Clinic News
    • Blog en français
  • Covid 19/Online consult
  • En Français
  • Jobs
  • Home
  • Health In Hong Kong
  • Parasitic Diseases in Hong Kong

Parasitic Diseases in Hong Kong

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Dr. Susan Jamieson in Health In Hong Kong

Human parasites carry parasitic diseasesParasites exist around the world, but types of parasites vary by region. A parasite such as lung fluke may be more prevalent in Southeast Asia than in North America. With Parasites come parasitic diseases. They can range from relatively benign and innocuous, to irritating and uncomfortable, to fatal. These are some of those found here in Hong Kong.

Some Common Parasitic Diseases

These are just a few of the most common parasitic diseases; this list is by no means complete. Pay particular attention to their causes.

Paragonimiasis

Roughly 20 million people globally suffer from paragonimiasis. This parasitic disease is common in Southeast Asia, and is caused by Paragonnimus westermani, or lung fluke. Also called flatworm, lung fluke is carried in crustaceans. As with many parasites, westermani can be killed through proper cooking. If consumed in undercooked food, the parasite migrates from the digestive tract to the lungs. Because of this, it can be mistaken for tuberculosis. Symptoms include coughing and fever, which usually occur between six and twelve weeks after infection.

Toxoplasmosis

The parasite Toxoplasma gondii is responsible for this illness. It can be contracted by eating uncooked meat and vegetables that have come into contact with gondii. While it can be passed through blood transfusions and even organ transplants, its typical method is through cat droppings. Toxoplasma infects cat intestines and emerges in their scat, which can then pollute a water supply.

While most people don’t develop symptoms, those with compromised immune systems can be at serious risk. In this case, toxoplasmosis can appear flu-like. Pregnant women who become infected can pass the infection to their unborn offspring.

Angiostrongyliasis

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a roundworm whose larvae live in snails, slugs, crabs, shrimp, and other freshwater crustaceans and mollusks. They can invade the human body through undercooked food. The larvae can make their way into the brain, causing meninges or inflammation. In fact, parasites of the genus Angiostrongylus cause the majority of cases of meningitis and meningoencephalitis. If undiagnosed and untreated, these illnesses can be fatal.

Giardiasis

The microscopic parasite Giardia lamblia causes a condition called Giardiasis. Its sufferers contract it by eating contaminated food or water. The most common way of becoming infected is through drinking contaminated water. For this reason, we often find Giardia in developing countries where overcrowding persists. However, as with other parasites, pets can also carry Giardia and infect humans, and humans infected with Giardia can pass the parasites on to others.

Once these microscopic parasites enter the body, they take up residence in the small intestine. Symptoms of giardiasis include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal cramps.

Coping With Parasites

These parasite examples are all found in Hong Kong, as well in many other locations worldwide. If you suspect you have encountered any of these, consult your medical practitioner immediately. We’re right here in Hong Kong Central and can help you with laboratory tests to properly diagnose a parasitic infection. Just call the office for an appointment.

There are treatments available for all of these parasitic diseases, but it’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible. If you have a compromised immune system, it is especially important to contact your doctor quickly, as the infection can be particularly challenging.

brain health, common parasites, gut health, Immune system, parasites, parasitic infection

One comment on “Parasitic Diseases in Hong Kong”

  1. Parasite Symptoms: What To Look For | Hong Kong Dr. Susan Jamieson says:
    March 14, 2019 at 9:11 am

    […] Humans are susceptible to a broad range of parasites, and this means the symptoms can be broad also. If you have had any contact with undercooked food or unsanitary conditions, that coupled with these symptoms may indicate parasitic diseases. […]

Book an appointment here!

Book a consultation in Wellington St with one of our doctors, or an online tele-consultation.

Dr Susan Jamieson (GP)

Clinic AppointmentOnline Consultationn

Contact Details

NEW WhatsApp Phone: 94563881

Phone: 25238044

Email: susan@susanjamieson.com

Clinic Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm.

Location

Office Life Clinic, 3rd floor, 33 Wellington St Central, Hong Kong

Learn More:

For more Health & Wellbeing news as well as information about events at Dr. Susan Jamieson Integrative Medical Practice, please visit us on Facebook for regular health updates or register for our newsletter.

© 2012-2022 Dr. Susan Jamieson Integrative Medical Practice