DEAR DR. ROACH: After learning that my brother drank a recommended solution to detox his body of worms, I did a little research. Sources claim that parasitic infections are found in many unsuspecting people. They claim that 300,000 people have Chagas disease per year, and cysticercosis causes the hospitalization of 1,000 people per year. About 14% of the population has been exposed to toxocariasis, and 60 million people are chronically infected with toxoplasmosis on a yearly basis. How accurate are these statistics, and should I detox my body system? — M.C.

ANSWER: These numbers are (mostly) accurate but misleading. Most of these diseases are seldom acquired in the United States and are mostly seen in immigrants. However, people with serious defects in their immune system (such as transplant patients) are at risk for some of these diseases.

For Chaga’s disease, also called American trypanosomiasis (a parasite disease of the protozoa T. cruzi), the vast majority of people with this condition acquired it as children in Mexico, Central America or South America and have since moved to the U.S. The insects that carry and transmit the disease (triatomine insects, also called “reduviid bugs” or “kissing bugs”) do live in the Southern U.S., but epidemiological studies suggest the acquisition of Chagas disease in the U.S. is very rare.

People who are at risk for Chagas disease (those who were born or lived for prolonged periods in Mexico, Central America or South America) should be screened for Chagas and receive treatment based on these results.

Cysticercosis is caused by a tapeworm, Taenia solium, whose larvae can be deposited in the muscles, brains and livers of people who eat infected pigs. This disease is very common in Mexico, and the few cases of cysticercosis that were acquired in the U.S. have mostly been family contacts from a person who recently acquired the condition in Mexico or Central/South America, where it can be passed from person to person. Treating cysticercosis can actually worsen the situation, causing seizures and even death in people with brain lesions.

The 14% seroprevalence of toxocara (a roundworm) data are obsolete; the new estimate is 5%. This disease is transmitted by companion animals, especially puppies and kittens. Most people with toxocariasis don’t need treatment.

Toxoplasmosis is common, with 11% of the population being chronically infected. This parasitic disease is a significant problem for people with immune system diseases (especially HIV), but also for pregnant women, who may be exposed through raw or undercooked meat products, soil-contaminated fruits and vegetables, and raw seafood.

Pregnant women are advised against these foods because a toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for the developing baby. However, treating a chronically infected person who doesn’t have symptoms isn’t recommended except in people with immune system diseases.

What concerns me about your question is the assumption that taking medication to get rid of a possible and asymptomatic parasite is a good idea. I strongly recommend against doing this, even with the appropriate prescription therapy. Using nonprescription therapy is even less likely to be effective and can cause serious toxicity when administered by a nonexpert.

I do understand that people have an instinctive revulsion to the idea that they might be harboring a parasite — even one that is inactive and will likely never become a problem — but treatments always have the potential for side effects. If a person doesn’t have symptoms, you can’t make them feel better with treatment.

Finally, a healthy body doesn’t need to “detox.” This is why we have livers and kidneys. A person with a symptomatic infection may need treatment, and they should seek care from a physician who can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment when indicated.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. (c) 2026 North America Syndicate Inc.

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