Parasitic infections are not a distant problem confined to developing nations. They’re here in the U.S., affecting millions of people, and they’re often misdiagnosed or completely ignored. The misconceptions about parasitic diseases—fueled by language like "very rare" and "eradicated"—are costing Americans their health and, in many cases, their lives.

The Invisible Epidemic

It’s easy to believe that parasitic infections are no longer a concern, but that’s far from the truth. Diseases like Chagas, toxoplasmosis, and hookworm quietly thrive across the country. An estimated 300,000 Americans are living with Chagas disease, which can lead to severe heart disease and even death if left untreated¹. Hookworm, a disease thought to be eradicated, has resurfaced in regions with inadequate sanitation, such as parts of rural Alabama, where nearly 35% of people tested positive². These infections often overlap with common conditions, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. People suffer for months, sometimes years, before they receive proper treatment.

But it’s not just the misdiagnoses that harm patients. Many are met with disbelief—by doctors, employers, and even loved ones—when they try to explain their symptoms. This skepticism leaves them feeling abandoned, isolated, and desperate for relief.

The Harmful Language That Hides the Truth

One of the biggest barriers to proper care is the language used by public health institutions. Terms like "very rare" and "eradicated" downplay the severity and prevalence of parasitic infections in the U.S. This kind of language leads healthcare providers to dismiss potential cases and prevents the public from understanding the true scope of the issue. It also perpetuates the myth that these diseases only occur in "third-world countries" with poor sanitation, further stigmatizing low-income communities where these infections are most common³.

This misinformation isn’t just dangerous—it’s discriminatory. By implying that parasitic infections are someone else’s problem, it leaves vulnerable populations without the support they desperately need. People in impoverished areas of the U.S., such as the Mississippi Delta, continue to suffer, with preventable diseases running rampant because they’re overlooked and dismissed.

Time to Take Action

It’s time to change the way we talk about parasitic infections. We need to stop using language that minimizes the threat and start taking these diseases seriously. The CDC and other health agencies must update their communication to reflect the reality: parasitic infections are here, and they’re affecting millions of Americans every day.

By signing this petition, you’re taking a stand for better healthcare and compassionate treatment for those suffering. We must call on the CDC to eliminate the harmful terms "very rare" and "eradicated" from their language, which fuels disbelief and contributes to the neglect of patients in need. You’re also helping to end the stigma against those affected, ensuring that no one is left to suffer in silence.

We Can’t Wait Any Longer

The cost of inaction is too high. Every day that passes without change means more people are misdiagnosed, more communities are left untreated, and more lives are at risk. We need your voice to demand that the CDC and health agencies across the U.S. take immediate action to address parasitic infections and protect public health.

Sign the petition today and join the fight for a healthier future for all Americans.

More on this issue:

1. Paul T. Cantey, MD, MPH, Susan P. Montgomery, DVM, MPH, Anne Straily, DVM, MPH, American Family Physician (September 2021), "Neglected Parasitic Infections: What Family Physicians Need to Know—A CDC Update."
2. Nadia Whitehead, NPR (12 September 2017), "The U.S. Thought It Was Rid of Hookworm. Wrong.."
3. Theresa E. Gildner, The Conversation (19 May 2023), "Parasitic Infections Hit the Health of Low-Income Black Communities."