Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Mumbai Monsoon: Brain Tapeworm Infections on the Rise
During Mumbai's monsoon season, a brain infection called neurocysticercosis is becoming more common.
It's caused by tiny tapeworm eggs, not by eating undercooked pork.
These eggs can get into food and water from sewage during floods.
Once inside you, they can form cysts in your brain, causing headaches, seizures, and other problems.
To stay safe, cook food well, wash produce, and practice good hygiene.
Doctors treat this with medicines and sometimes surgery.
Neurocysticercosis, a brain infection from tapeworm eggs, is on the rise in Mumbai during the monsoon.
The infection is caused by ingesting Taenia solium eggs found in contaminated food or water.
Symptoms include seizures, headaches, and neurological issues, varying based on cyst number and location.
Risk factors include poor food hygiene, contaminated water sources, and being vegetarian.
Treatment involves antiparasitic drugs, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes surgery.
- Who
- Affects people who ingest Taenia solium eggs.
- What
- Neurocysticercosis, a brain infection caused by tapeworm larvae forming cysts.
- When
- During the monsoon season in Mumbai.
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- Poor sanitation and contaminated water sources during monsoon facilitate the spread of tapeworm eggs.
Views on Infection Sources
Views on Risks
Source of Infection
Views on Infection Sources
Vegetarians can get infected via contaminated water.
Views on Risks
Non-vegetarians can get infected via undercooked meat.
- Disease
- Neurocysticercosis
- Cause
- Ingestion of Taenia solium eggs
- Symptoms
- Seizures, headaches, confusion
- Risk Factors
- Poor hygiene, contaminated water
- Treatment
- Antiparasitic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery
- Affected Population
- Children and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at risk
