A deadly parasite that burrows in through bare feet could be multiplying in US

It's strongyloides/threadworms.

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/strongyloides/gen_info/faqs.ht...

We are certainly a bit spoiled in many western countries, not having to think about natural dangers which are common in many other countries around the world. However we can see the cases of plant diseases, mosquito viruses, and other "bad guys" doing their best to achieve world domination.

Going barefoot actually has many health benefits, if the area is free of chemicals, nasty critters, and sharp hazards. Barefoot walking or running has both structural and electrical benefits for the body.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barefoot

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/kick-of...

The standard treatment is ivermectin.

I've gotten a little weird about parasites lately after realizing a) how prevalent they are, and b) how resilliant they can be. Simple things like eating vegetables from the garden or walking bare foot outside feel make me feel so uneasy. AFAIK intestinal worm eggs can survive weeks in the soil and the only thing that can really _kill_ them is extreme heat or chemicals that are pretty toxic to humans.