The independent presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., disclosed on Wednesday that he had been infected with a parasite in his brain more than ten years ago.
This revelation from his campaign came following a report by The New York Times.
According to Kennedy's campaign spokesperson Stefanie Spear, the parasite was contracted during his extensive travels in Africa, South America, and Asia while working as an environmental advocate.
Spear stated in a message to CBS News, "The issue was resolved over a decade ago, and he is currently in excellent physical and mental condition. To question Mr. Kennedy's health is quite amusing, especially when considering his opponents."
Possible Parasitic Worms in Brain of Kennedy
An expert suggests that Kennedy may have contracted parasitic worms in his brain, but these parasites, like tapeworms, do not actually consume brain tissue as Kennedy had initially thought.
Tapeworm infections, known as neurocysticercosis, can be acquired from consuming undercooked pork or drinking contaminated water, especially in areas with poor sanitation like parts of Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. When tapeworm eggs are ingested, they can move through the bloodstream and infest various organs including the brain, muscles, liver, and other tissues.
Treatment for tapeworm infection typically involves the use of anti-parasitic drugs to eliminate the worms.
Recovery from Parasitic Condition
In some instances, if the worm dies, the body's immune system can clear the dead worm from the brain tissue without the need for surgery, unless complications arise. It remains uncertain whether Kennedy underwent surgery for this diagnosis, but in a recent interview with the Times, he stated that he has fully recovered from the memory loss and brain fogginess with no lingering effects. Kennedy also mentioned that no treatment was required for the parasitic condition.
According to experts, memory loss is more commonly associated with mercury poisoning than with a parasitic worm.
One individual, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that his mercury poisoning diagnosis was attributed to his diet. Medical tests revealed that his mercury levels were 10 times higher than what the Environmental Protection Agency deems safe.
"I loved tuna fish sandwiches. I ate them all the time," the individual said in a private interview.
This person has been a vocal advocate against vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that was phased out of childhood vaccines two decades ago. Despite the individual's claims linking vaccinations in children to conditions like autism, there is no scientific evidence supporting this. However, excessive consumption of mercury, commonly found in fish, can indeed be toxic to humans.
Although both parasitic infections and mercury poisoning can result in permanent brain damage, experts emphasize that a full recovery is also possible.
