NEWSWATCH33 � It�s called Schistosomiasis, a parasitic worm which lives near bodies of water in countries such as Africa, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Unfortunately, it has invaded the banana producing villages in Malaysia causing mass panic in the United States as people are rushed to the hospital to be treated for symptoms.
Malaysia, which is Walmart�s number one supplier of bananas, reported that it sold the Big-Box Store giant over 7 tons of bananas which were distributed across the United States during the later parts of July. These bananas reportedly contained these parasitic worms which burrow into the center of the banana and are sometimes found directly under the peel. Although they are recalling bananas purchased between the dates of July 30 � August 6, they are asking consumers NOT to return the bananas to the stores. They are asking, if at all possible, to burn the bananas. If you do not have access to this type of disposal, the World Health Organization is asking you to seal them tightly in a trash bag but DO NOT dispose of them down the kitchen sink. This could contaminate the water supply, as these parasites thrive off of water.
Currently, 187 people have been hospitalized and 23 are in critical condition. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue and stomach bloating. In severe cases, the parasites can affect the nervous system causing stroke-like conditions. If you feel that you have been exposed to the Schistosomiasis parasites you should take yourself to the hospital immediately.
The video below shows one consumer who alerted the World Health Organization of his findings:
