Independent Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suffered a Brain Parasite in 2010
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. once suffered from a brain condition caused by a parasitic infection.
The Details: In 2010, Kennedy, who believed he had a brain tumor, was informed by a doctor that his symptoms were caused by a parasite that had invaded, eaten a part of his brain tissue, and then died. His campaign stated that the issue was resolved over a decade ago, and he is in robust health.
For Context: The condition known as neurocysticercosis is a brain infection linked to larvae from pork tapeworms. It is usually rare and can cause seizures, headaches, and memory loss.
Key Quotes: Kennedy’s campaign press secretary, Stefanie Spear, stated, “Mr. Kennedy traveled extensively in Africa, South America, and Asia in his work as an environmental advocate, and in one of those locations contracted a parasite. The issue was resolved more than 10 years ago, and he is in robust physical and mental health.” Kennedy made light of his condition in a post on social media, stating, “I offer to eat 5 more brain worms and still beat President Trump and President Biden in a debate.”
How The Media Covered It: BBC News (Center bias) provided details about this rare condition. NBC News (Lean Left bias) disclosed how Kennedy’s own campaign team responded to the concerns brought up by the news, emphasizing that he is now in good health. The Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) reported on a Republican representative who mocked Kennedy for his revelation. This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
How the parasite that RFK Jr. said he contracted infects the brain
A little-known parasitic infection in the brain received a jolt of attention Wednesday when presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he once suffered from it.
The condition, known as neurocysticercosis, is a brain infection linked to larvae from pork tapeworms. It's rare: It hospitalizes roughly 1,000 to 2,000 people every year in the U.S.
Neurocysticercosis causes seizures, headaches, blindness, blurred vision, dizziness, psychosis or memory loss. In some cases, it may even be fatal.
The infection typically follows a sequence of events: People eat raw or undercooked pork that carries...
From the Center
RFK Jr in robust health despite brain worm scare, says campaign
US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr says he is in "robust health" following reports that he suffered from a brain parasite more than a decade ago.
The New York Times reported that Mr Kennedy also previously suffered from mercury poisoning and heart problems.
Mr Kennedy has made health a key part of his campaign.
He has contrasted his physical fitness with that of Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
"Questioning Mr Kennedy's health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition," his campaign said in a statement Wednesday.
"Mr Kennedy travelled...
From the Right
GOP representative makes fun of RFK Jr over brain parasite: ‘Hole in the brain’
Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) made a joke about presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s former brain parasite, which he connected to the assassination of Kennedy’s uncle and father.
Collins was poking fun at a recent report that a doctor told Kennedy that a parasite had made its way to his brain, ate part of it, then died. The information was revealed in an article for the New York Times, raising questions about Kennedy’s cognitive ability.
“You either die a Kennedy with a hole in the brain or live long enough...
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