This body horror can be a result of a simple handshake with a person who didn’t properly wash their hands after pooping.

Let’s call that dirty person Host. They consumed raw or undercooked pork.

Tapeworm larvae grew in their intestines, and their poop will carry tapeworm eggs.

Now, after going to the toilet, Host didn’t properly wash their hands, resulting in tiny particles of tapeworm-eggs-containing poop staying on their fingers or under their nails.

The next person Host dines with or shakes their hands with… could be you!

One way or the other, you might end up swallowing the tapeworm eggs.

It develops into an infection called cysticercosis.

The symptoms may take even years to show up.

And then the above X-rays could be yours.

The rice-like spots inside the thighs are tiny cysts (lumps).

For some, the aftermath is just small lumps under the skin. Others get chronic headaches, seizures, vision problems, or inflammation around the brain.

The World Health Organisation says this infection is responsible for 30% of epilepsy cases in areas where the parasite is common.

Treatment depends on the seriousness of the infection. Some people need anti-parasitic or anti-inflammatory medicines, and in a few cases, surgery.

Around 50 million people worldwide are infected every year, and about 50,000 die from complications.

But the best protection is also the easiest. Be careful with handshakes.

Always wash your hands well after using the toilet.

Never eat raw or undercooked pork. Be careful with food and water hygiene in areas where sanitation is poor.