North Carolina Hispanic Farmworkers and Intestinal Parasitism: A Pilot study of Prevalence and Health-Related Practices, and Potential Means of Foodborne Transmission
Author: Russell, M.D.; Corea, M.T.; Stauber, C.E.; Kase, J.A
Date Published: 2010
Little is known about the health status (especially the parasitic burden) of farm laborers, who handpick agricultural items such as fruits and vegetables, despite being implicated as a means of foodborne pathogen transmission. The goal of this study was to develop a framework to investigate enteric parasitic infections among Hispanic farmworkers in Eastern North Carolina. Seventy-one interviews were conducted, 16 stool samples were collected, and two parasite-positive workers were found. In addition, some potentially harmful health practices (e.g., self-medication) were identified. . The study model presented provides a geographically expandable format to allow for various types of health investigations including the prevalence of other pathogens.
Date Published: 2010
Little is known about the health status (especially the parasitic burden) of farm laborers, who handpick agricultural items such as fruits and vegetables, despite being implicated as a means of foodborne pathogen transmission. The goal of this study was to develop a framework to investigate enteric parasitic infections among Hispanic farmworkers in Eastern North Carolina. Seventy-one interviews were conducted, 16 stool samples were collected, and two parasite-positive workers were found. In addition, some potentially harmful health practices (e.g., self-medication) were identified. . The study model presented provides a geographically expandable format to allow for various types of health investigations including the prevalence of other pathogens.
