Parasitic Infection Symptoms

Parasites can infect you through eating or drinking contaminated foods, intimate contact with someone who is infected or contact with parasites in the environment, such as water puddles or dung. Types of parasites that can infect you include protozoans (Giardia, Leishmania, Cryptosporidium) and worms (flukes, tapeworms, nematodes). According to the Centers for Disease Control and the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of parasitic infections include pain and weight loss.

Tiredness

• You may experience extreme tiredness and fatigue due to parasitic infections, and this may be accompanied by fevers and sweating.

Upset Stomach

• Parasitic infections may cause you to have an upset stomach, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting in the early stages of infection.

Bowel Changes

• You may experience diarrhea that is frequent and bloody, and if your infection is caused by a worm, you may notice worm segments or eggs in your feces.

Pain

• Abdominal pain caused by parasitic infections may be severe and persistent, and you may also experience pain in your joints, muscles and head.

Skin Changes

• Both protozoan and worm infections may cause you to develop skin rashes, redness, swelling and itching, especially around your anus when you pass eggs and larvae.

Weight Loss

• Weight loss caused by parasitic infections can be ten percent of your total body weight, and in babies, significant weight loss can result in death.