A shocking case from Hangzhou, China, has drawn public attention after an elderly woman landed in the hospital with a severe parasitic infection—caused by swallowing eight live frogs in an attempt to cure her back pain.
The elderly woman, identified only by her surname Zhang, reportedly believed in a traditional folk remedy that claimed eating live frogs could relieve chronic pain. Acting on that belief, she asked her family to catch eight small frogs, each roughly the size of a human palm, without revealing her intentions.
Over the course of two days, Zhang swallowed three live frogs on the first day and another five the following day. Initially, she only experienced mild discomfort in her stomach, but within a few days, her condition deteriorated rapidly. She began to experience extreme abdominal pain and weakness, eventually becoming unable to walk.
It was only when her symptoms worsened that Zhang confessed to her family what she had done. Alarmed, they rushed her to Zhejiang University No. 1 Affiliated Hospital in early September. Doctors quickly ruled out the possibility of a tumour but discovered an alarming rise in oxyphil cells, an indication of parasitic infection or blood disorders.
Further medical tests revealed that Zhang had been infected with sparganum, a type of tapeworm larva often transmitted through consuming raw or live amphibians. The parasites had entered her digestive system through the frogs, causing internal infections and inflammation.
Zhang remained hospitalised for two weeks, during which she received intensive treatment to eliminate the parasites and recover from the infection. Doctors confirmed that her condition stabilised before she was discharged.
Senior physician Dr Wu Zhongwen, who treated Zhang, stated that such cases are not uncommon in the region. He explained that some people, particularly older individuals, still turn to unverified traditional remedies, believing they can cure chronic illnesses or relieve pain.
Dr Wu highlighted that similar cases involve patients eating raw animal parts such as snake or fish gall, or applying frog skin to treat skin conditions. He cautioned that these practices carry serious health risks and can even be fatal, urging the public to seek proper medical treatment instead of relying on dangerous folk beliefs.
He further warned that many elderly patients only seek medical help once their condition becomes critical, which often makes recovery far more complicated.
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