Parasites

Parasites

Bugs that are seldom talked about these days

       The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site (viewed at www.cdc.gov ) has a wealth of knowledge relating to parasites in the U.S. and Worldwide.  This includes current and historical information about prevalence of said diseases, treatment, and preventative measures. 
-Specifically, I would recommend reading the following resources from the CDC:
                  http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/TickborneDiseases.pdf
                  http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/history/elimination_us.html
                  http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/
                  http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/taeniasis/
                  http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/ascariasis/

If you are interested in adding to your medical library regarding parasitic infections I would recommend the text “Medical parasitology.  A self instructional text” (6th Ed) by Leventhal and Cheadle.  It is a very inexpensive easy to read reference textbook. A link to the practical education and training can starts at this YouTube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fejMYMPnrmw

Army field manuals/publications also afford pragmatic advice, and easily readable information pertaining to prevention/sanitation.
- I would recommend reading the following resources
                  http://usaphc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/TG336_MalariaFieldGuide.pdf
                  http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/fm4_25x12.pdf
                  http://www.olive-drab.com/archive/fm21-10.pdf

 

Parasites are not that exotic, including in North America. Many have heard of pinworm, hookworm, roundworm, giardia, tapeworm, scabies, lice, tick borne diseases, malaria, and crotch rot. Conventional wisdom is to use preventive measures, often as simple as using existing septic systems (or even making new outhouses and cat holes) to keep rid of our excretement, just washing one's hands, or announcing and enforcing sanitation practices. One simple corrective measure is to keep the ill as warm and hydrated as you can, and hope their body heals itself. In the end, nothing beats some training  and education in this area. The online links are one way to start.