If you’re currently enjoying a BLT, you might want to pause for a moment.
For those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan, bacon is likely a beloved food, often enjoyed at breakfast or in a classic sandwich.
However, one individual, who also loved bacon, found himself in the hospital due to intense migraine headaches and severe pain at the back of his head that lasted for weeks.
Anyone who has experienced a migraine knows how distressing it can be, so he sought medical help to uncover the cause of his pain.
At 52 years old, he underwent tests that revealed his brain was covered with ‘cyst-like lesions’. Further investigation showed these cysts were filled with tapeworm larvae.
We did warn you it was gross…
These tapeworms, typically found in pigs, cause a condition known as cysticercosis. Pigs are frequently infected with the taenia solium tapeworm, and his brain was infested with these larvae.
The patient had to endure ‘several weeks’ in intensive care after the worms made their way into his brain.
He received treatment with anti-parasite medication and anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the swelling caused by the cysts and larvae.
The source of the larvae was discovered when the man revealed his unusual breakfast habits.
It was discovered he preferred ‘lightly cooked’ bacon, almost raw, as he wasn’t fond of crispy bacon. Doctors concluded that his ‘lifelong preference for soft bacon’ was the reason.
Health guidelines advise cooking bacon to at least 145F to prevent food poisoning or other illnesses.
Unlike larger cuts of meat where it’s easy to check internal temperature with a thermometer, bacon’s thinness makes it harder. However, this also means it cooks quickly, so it shouldn’t pose a problem.
The case notes mentioned that ‘undercooked pork consumption is a theoretical risk factor’.
They added: “It is historically very unusual to encounter infected pork in the United States and our case may have public health implications.”
Food Republic suggests letting bacon ‘rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking’ to ensure even cooking without burning.
“Just a few minutes on your kitchen counter will let your bacon warm up thoroughly allowing it to cook more evenly in the oven or stove top,” they advise.
However, they caution: “Don’t forget about your meat and have it sit at room temperature for over two hours as harmful bacteria could spread through your food if left out for too long.”
While you might avoid worms that way, food poisoning remains a risk. Feeling hungry?