State Forests issue warning of tapeworm infestation risk
The season has arrived when an array of forest fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, start appearing in the forests. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries look tempting with their beautiful appearance, smell, and sweet taste. However, the State Forests reminds us to wash these fruits thoroughly before eating to avoid any potential health risks.
Summer is the season when fruit tastes its best – ripe, large, and sweet. Those frequently walking in the woods know plenty of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries grow there. It’s tempting to pick and eat them straight away. However, this can be very unwise and potentially dangerous.
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On Wednesday, 12 June, the State Forests' Facebook profile featured a lengthy post urging regular forest walkers to exercise caution. The staff reminded everyone never to eat fruit found in the forest without thoroughly washing it first. This precaution is essential to avoid contracting dangerous diseases that animals can transmit.
State Forests warns against eating unwashed fruit
Most people believe that fruit found in the forest is the healthiest in the world, as it grows naturally without chemical treatments. It seems as though there's nothing hazardous about eating it straight from the bush. However, this is a very misguided approach. The State Forests remind us that wild animals can carry many diseases, and simply touching the fruit or being close to it can significantly increase the risk of disease transmission.
"The foxes that inhabit our forests can be infected with the echinococcus tapeworm. Foxes, like any animal, defecate, and it is in their faeces that the tapeworm larvae are found. This is how they can end up on the berries we pick and eat. To guard against the dangers lurking on them, it is important to do a very simple thing – wash the fruit we find before eating it," reads a post on the National Forest's Facebook page.
"Parasites hatch from ingested dog tapeworm eggs in the human intestine. These parasites pass through the intestinal mucosa and enter the liver, where they primarily nest. In cases of multicellular echinococcosis, the liver becomes the target organ, where numerous small vesicles with a spongy structure form. In approximately 50 per cent of cases, the tumour-like echinococcal lesion is located in one lobe of the liver, predominantly the right lobe. Occasionally, the multicellular echinococcus extends beyond the liver, affecting surrounding organs as well," warns the State Forests.
This is why washing any fruit you find in the forest is crucial. It is advisable to refrain from eating berries, strawberries, or blackberries immediately. This ensures that we remain healthy and that no dangerous tapeworms attack our bodies.
