Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus.
According to Satyilgan kyzy, the treatment process for patients with echinococcosis can last from six months to a year, after which they are monitored by a doctor for five years. Currently, 36 patients in the CSM No. 6 district are undergoing therapy, regularly taking tests, undergoing ultrasounds, and taking medications.
The infectious disease specialist also spoke about the symptoms, treatment methods, and preventive measures against echinococcosis. She noted that the worms can remain in the human body for many years without showing any symptoms. The parasites reproduce in the organs where they are located. Each year, the worm can grow by 1-2 cm. They are most often localized in the liver and lungs, but in rare cases, they can be found in the heart, brain, bones, and spinal cord.
Some time after infection, blisters with fluid may appear on the patient's body. When these formations begin to increase and compress neighboring organs or when the liver enlarges, symptoms arise that prompt a person to see a doctor. Since there are not many nerve endings in the liver and lungs, the signs of the disease may not manifest immediately, the specialist explained.
Among the first signs of echinococcosis:
- loss of appetite;
- general malaise;
- weight loss;
- jaundice of the skin and sclera of the eyes.
Ways of transmission of the infection
The Echinococcus worms are most commonly found in areas with a large number of livestock and among domestic animals. Transmission from person to person is impossible, clarified Satyilgan kyzy.
The external environment promotes the survival of the worms for up to a year; they can be found in water, grass, and animal fur. Infection occurs through unwashed vegetables and fruits, as well as due to insufficient hand hygiene before meals.
According to the infectious disease specialist, if the size of the worm is up to 3 mm in children and 5-6 mm in adults, the disease can be treated with medications. Otherwise, surgical intervention will be required. If the parasite is in the lungs, it can be detected on a fluorogram. If even one worm remains after surgery, it can begin to reproduce again and cause a relapse of the disease.
Prevention of the disease includes hand washing, personal hygiene, and thorough processing of vegetables and fruits in warm boiled water. It is also important to clean hands of dirt under the nails after contact with animals, to vaccinate livestock and pets on time, and to regularly check them with a veterinarian. Every six months or a year, it is necessary to undergo examinations: take tests and have ultrasounds done.
