In a recent deposition revealed by The New York Times, it was disclosed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a U.S. presidential candidate, sought medical attention after experiencing mental fogginess and memory loss. Kennedy explained that a brain abnormality found on a scan was ultimately determined to be caused by a worm, which had ingested a portion of his brain before dying. Kennedy has since recovered with no long-term consequences.

The revelation surrounding Kennedy's health history has generated significant discussion in the political world. However, this story goes beyond the personal experience of one politician. The World Health Organization estimates that over a billion people worldwide are infected with parasitic worms, leading to serious and lifelong implications.

NPR recently spoke with Francisca Mutapi, a professor of global health infection and immunity at the University of Edinburgh, who has conducted extensive research on parasites for 25 years. Mutapi shed light on Kennedy's case and the global impact of parasitic worms.

While specific details about Kennedy's situation are limited, Mutapi suggests that the worm infection might have been a form of Taeniasis, commonly transmitted through raw or undercooked pork containing tapeworm eggs. Once ingested, the eggs can hatch into larvae, which can spread throughout the body and cause a disease called cysticercosis. Depending on where these larvae settle in the body, various health issues can arise.

If the larvae end up in the eyes, they can lead to vision problems and even blindness. When they settle in the muscles, weakness can occur. However, if they reach the central nervous system, including the brain and spine, they cause a condition known as neurocysticercosis. Symptoms of this disease range from headaches and seizures to cognitive impairment and balance issues. In extreme cases, excess fluid in the brain can make it a life-threatening condition.

While such infections are more prevalent in areas where these diseases are widespread, Mutapi notes that the United States sees approximately 1,000 new cases hospitalized with cysticercosis each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, these diseases can be prevented through practices such as proper food hygiene, ensuring pork is thoroughly cooked, practicing good hand-washing, and maintaining good sanitation. However, if prevention fails, treatment options are available. Drugs like praziquantel and albendazole are commonly used to kill the larvae and reverse the disease's pathological effects. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Parasitic worms, including tapeworms, are part of a group of diseases known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The global burden of NTDs is staggering, with approximately 1.7 billion people affected. Bilharzia, caused by parasitic worms in Africa, alone affects over 200 million people and can lead to anemia, blood in urine, and cognitive issues.

These diseases not only result in a few deaths but also have a significant impact on day-to-day general health and individuals' ability to function normally. Epileptic seizures, vision impairments, balance problems, and poor cognition can all drastically reduce the quality of life.

Efforts are being made globally to combat these diseases, particularly through preventative chemotherapy, where at-risk populations are treated to catch infections before serious manifestations occur. However, more can be done to accelerate these efforts, including expanding treatments and developing vaccines.

In light of RFK Jr.'s case, which he attributes to his travels as an environmental advocate in Africa, South America, and Asia, it is crucial to highlight the importance of hygiene practices in areas where these infections are prevalent. Simple interventions like improving hygiene and preventing contact with pig feces and urine can be highly effective and affordable.

The peculiar story surrounding Kennedy's encounter with a parasitic worm offers an opportunity to address the larger global issue of parasitic worm infections. Increased awareness, prevention measures, and innovative interventions are needed to eliminate these diseases and alleviate the immense burden they place on individuals and communities worldwide.