'I could feel it move': Tourist's health scare sparks urgent warning for the summer season
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Disclaimer: This article contains graphic depictions of infections. Reader discretion is advised.
Walking barefoot on the beach is one of life's simple pleasures, especially for those who have spent decades enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.
However, a recent incident should be a reminder that this idyllic activity could sometimes lead to unexpected issues.
British tourist Ellie Selway was living her dream summer holiday in Thailand.
However, her sun-kissed trip took a turn for the worse when she started experiencing severe itching on her foot.
Initially dismissing it as a mosquito bite, she was horrified to discover the actual cause: a hookworm infection.
The parasite, while common in tropical areas, should not be a cause for alarm.
Yet, in Ellie's case, it became a living nightmare.
'Every few hours, I could feel it move. I could see it making its way up my foot,' Ellie shared in a video.
Ellie's ordeal raised awareness about the risks of going barefoot on beaches, particularly in tropical regions.
Hookworms are parasites that could infect both humans and animals.
Hookworms that affect humans could live in the gut.
However, an expert shed light on Ellie's situation.
'The worm Ellie is talking about is almost certainly not a human hookworm,' parasitologist professor Alex Loukas stated.
'That particular worm can infect through the skin, which is the way that most hookworms enter the body of the host, but it won't actually mature to adulthood and won't ever reach the gut.'
In Australia, hookworms are a common parasite found in pets and are prevalent in areas like Queensland.
The risk of hookworm transmission to humans increases in areas like beaches, where animals defecate, and the larvae could burrow through the skin of an unsuspecting host.
Up to half of Australians may have had a hookworm infection without realising it, as the human immune system eliminates the larvae without any symptoms.
For those who love to travel and enjoy the beach, this should be a crucial reminder to take preventive measures.
Always wear shoes or sandals to give feet a simple yet effective barrier against these parasites.
Watch Ellie's video here:
Source: @ellieselway/TikTok
Travel expert Natalie Smith advised about consulting a travel doctor before heading to tropical destinations.
Smith also advised about availing travel insurance, as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) recently reported a high number of medical assistance requests from Thailand.
It's all about finding the right balance between the joy of feeling the sand between our toes and taking sensible precautions to protect our health.
Have you ever encountered a similar health issue while on holiday? What precautions do you take to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience? Share your thoughts and tips with us in the comments below!
Walking barefoot on the beach is one of life's simple pleasures, especially for those who have spent decades enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.
However, a recent incident should be a reminder that this idyllic activity could sometimes lead to unexpected issues.
British tourist Ellie Selway was living her dream summer holiday in Thailand.
However, her sun-kissed trip took a turn for the worse when she started experiencing severe itching on her foot.
Initially dismissing it as a mosquito bite, she was horrified to discover the actual cause: a hookworm infection.
Ellie showed traces of the hookworm on her foot in one of her videos. Image Credit: TikTok/Ellie Selway
The parasite, while common in tropical areas, should not be a cause for alarm.
Yet, in Ellie's case, it became a living nightmare.
'Every few hours, I could feel it move. I could see it making its way up my foot,' Ellie shared in a video.
Ellie's ordeal raised awareness about the risks of going barefoot on beaches, particularly in tropical regions.
Hookworms are parasites that could infect both humans and animals.
Hookworms that affect humans could live in the gut.
However, an expert shed light on Ellie's situation.
'The worm Ellie is talking about is almost certainly not a human hookworm,' parasitologist professor Alex Loukas stated.
'That particular worm can infect through the skin, which is the way that most hookworms enter the body of the host, but it won't actually mature to adulthood and won't ever reach the gut.'
In Australia, hookworms are a common parasite found in pets and are prevalent in areas like Queensland.
The risk of hookworm transmission to humans increases in areas like beaches, where animals defecate, and the larvae could burrow through the skin of an unsuspecting host.
Up to half of Australians may have had a hookworm infection without realising it, as the human immune system eliminates the larvae without any symptoms.
For those who love to travel and enjoy the beach, this should be a crucial reminder to take preventive measures.
Always wear shoes or sandals to give feet a simple yet effective barrier against these parasites.
Watch Ellie's video here:
Source: @ellieselway/TikTok
Travel expert Natalie Smith advised about consulting a travel doctor before heading to tropical destinations.
Smith also advised about availing travel insurance, as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) recently reported a high number of medical assistance requests from Thailand.
It's all about finding the right balance between the joy of feeling the sand between our toes and taking sensible precautions to protect our health.
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