NH: Rare Parasite Infects Two Hunters in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, two hunters were infected with “A parasite never before seen in humans.” The infection happened after the pair hunted and butchered a moose with their dogs, says Newsweek.

As Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, infectious disease physician at Dartmouth Hitchcock Health told WMUR Channel 9, “It’s the first time it’s been identified in humans.” Because of this, the state’s Health and Human Services Department has healthcare workers on high alert.

Although humans rarely contract the parasite, dogs in contact with raw game meat can. As a result, hunters with dogs in moose territory are at a notably higher risk. According to Dr. Talbot, the state’s been tracking tapeworms in moose populations for several years.