(L.A.) Maria Martinez, 39, Died From Brain Infection Caused by Tapeworm Cysts

Case Number: 2004-04658

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 39-year-old Hispanic female that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Maria Martinez.

Manner of Death: Natural

Cause of Death: Neurocysticercosis

RIP MARIA MARTINEZ (October 28, 1964 – June 12, 2004)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

Neurocysticercosis is a brain infection caused by a tiny parasite called Taenia solium, which is also known as the pork tapeworm. This infection happens when someone eats food or drinks water that has the eggs of this parasite in it, often from contaminated sources or undercooked pork.