The Ubiquity of Parasites in Everyday Life

You're never truly alone, because half of all animal species are parasites,

and they are everywhere. That refreshing glass of water? Giardia and Cryptosporidium have caused massive

outbreaks from municipal water and even swimming pools, infecting thousands. Your favorite salad?

Outbreaks of Cyclospora have been traced back to fresh basil and raspberries. Even undercooked

meat can hide Trichinella worms or tapeworm larvae. And it gets more personal.

Your cat can be the only host that sheds Toxoplasma eggs. Pinworms are so

common that up to 50% of children in North America get them. They are masters

of survival.