AN "insane" X-ray has revealed a man infested with hundreds of tapeworm eggs after making a huge error in the kitchen.
The man only discovered he had the eggs after falling and experiencing hip pain.
US doctor shared the image of the unnamed man to X saying it was "one of the most insane X-rays I've ever seen".
He explained: "This is a condition known as cysticercosis. Essentially these are larval cysts of taenia solium - also known as the pork tapeworm."
According to Ghali, this occurs from a human consuming raw or uncooked pig, and then the person becoming infected with the worms in their GI tract.
He continued: "These cysts can travel anywhere throughout the human body.
Read more on food poisoning
"In this patient they've travelled heavily to the muscular and the soft tissues of the hips and legs."
In this instance, the cysts didn't pose a life-threatening problem.
But luckily it was found while the patient's hip fracture was discovered on the X-ray.
But in some instances, the cysts can become a problem and can even result in death.
Most read in Health
Ghali warned: "The problem is when these travel to the brain and lodge there, that can cause very serious issues. "
This is a condition known as neurocysticercosis that can lead to neurological symptoms like headaches, confusion, seizures and even death.
The moral of the story?
Always do your best to keep clean and wash your hands, said Ghali.
He added: "And never, ever under any circumstances eat raw or undercooked pork."
The anonymous 52-year-old, had enjoyed scoffing “soft bacon” for most of his life.
Scans revealed fluid-filled sacs on his brain and doctors diagnosed him with neurocysticercosis.
They were left puzzled when he told them he had not travelled to any high risk areas and lived in a modern, clean home with his wife and cat.
The medics suggested the “very rare” case should serve as a warning for people to make sure they cook their breakfasts properly.
Dr Eamonn Byrnes, of Orlando Regional Medical Centre, said at the time: “It is very rare for patients to contract neurocysticercosis outside of classic exposures or travel.
“Such cases in the United States were thought to be nonexistent.
“Undercooked pork consumption is a theoretical risk factor for neurocysticercosis via autoinoculation, as we suspected in this case.
Read More on The Sun
“It is historically very unusual to encounter infected pork in the United States, and our case may have public health implications.”
The Food Standards Agency offers advice for how to cook pork safely...
Cooking pork safely
Pork and poultry can have bacteria all the way through the meat - this means the meat needs to be cooked all the way through.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says you can use a clean food thermometer to check the meat is cooked thoroughly.
And to be sure to test the temperature of the meat and avoid the bones.
If you don’t have a thermometer, it advises using the following visual cues:
- when you cut into the thickest part of the meat, the juices should run clear - for a whole chicken or other bird, the thickest part is the leg between the drumstick and the breast
- make sure there is no pink, fleshy meat, as this is a sign it is undercooked
- cut the meat open with a clean knife to check it is steaming hot all the way through - you should see steam coming from the meat
Source: Food Standards Agency