US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jnr says he thinks worm ate part of his brain

Kennedy – a nephew of former president John F. Kennedy and known informally as RFK Jnr – says he recovered from the 2010 incident and that he did not require treatment for the infection, according to the Times.

Around the same time, Kennedy – who has described a variety of ailments over the years, including an irregular heartbeat – said he was suffering from mercury poisoning, which can lead to neurological issues.

Agence France-Presse has not independently reviewed the deposition but a spokesperson for Kennedy’s campaign said he had “travelled extensively in Africa, South America and Asia” as an environmental advocate and contracted a parasite during one of those trips.

The Times, citing speculation from doctors who had not examined Kennedy, reported that he might have developed a neurological condition caused by a pork tapeworm larva that would likely have survived on nutrients from the body rather than eating his brain.

Kennedy, a long-time vaccine sceptic, has presented himself on the campaign trail as more vibrant and youthful than the front runners – 81-year-old US President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump, 77.

Health and well-being are at the heart of his campaign and he is often pictured on social media taking part in outdoor activities and watersports – sometimes shirtless.

The environmental lawyer is boasting double-digit support ahead of November’s election, and polling has gone back and forth on whether he is hurting Biden or Trump more.

“The [parasite] issue was resolved more than 10 years ago, and he is in robust physical and mental health,” his spokesman said.

“Questioning Mr Kennedy’s health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition.”