3 Beachgoers Treated for Hookworms in Miami
Stray cats likely to blame for gross outbreak
AP
The nasty hookworms on Miami Beach have sent three people for treatment as officials work to clean the area where the outbreak occurred.
The hookworm outbreak, first reported last month, is likely the result of stray cats who live and defecate in the area. Cat poop, where hookworms love to live, has been found up and down the beach area between 50th and 65th streets.
Miami-Dade Health Department officials discovered the hookworms two weeks ago, and have been working to clean and disinfect the target areas.
Hookworms are real blood suckers. They usually live in cats and dogs, but can penetrate human skin and set up shop in tissue before migrating to a victim's stomach and small intestines.
That can lead to vomiting, stomach pains and the parasites can really do damage to pregnant mothers and their unborn children.
Officials are urging beachgoers to wear sandals and lay on blankets when on the sand.
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