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Here's how 'parasite' went from a laughing matter to a serious biological threat

NPR News · Jul 30, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT

Odysseus did not face the parasite Cyclospora in his 10-year journey home. But the word "parasite" originated as a popular character trope in Greek literature.

Odysseus did not face the parasite Cyclospora in his 10-year journey home. But the word "parasite" originated as a popular character trope in Greek literature.

(Image credit: Brandon Bell)

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