Vet warns pet owners after common dog behaviour linked to massive parasite inside woman's body
What does the doctor say?
Where is this parasite found?
How to avoid this?
How serious can it turn for humans
A case from Tunisia has reignited an important health conversation about the hidden dangers of a common behaviour many pet owners find endearing—letting their dogs lick their faces. While millions of dog lovers share affectionate moments with their furry companions, experts are warning that this harmless gesture could, in rare cases, open the door to a potentially life-threatening parasite.Doctors recently discovered a massive cyst, double the size of a tennis ball, in the pelvis of a 26-year-old woman who was 20 weeks pregnant. The woman had endured months of abdominal pain before being rushed to the hospital, where scans revealed a hydatid cyst—a growth caused by a tapeworm infection. The condition, known as cystic echinococcosis, is caused by the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm, most commonly transmitted through dog feces.The case was detailed in the Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports under the title "Omental hydatid cyst in pregnant women: A rare localization." The patient was from Tunisia, where the parasite is considered endemic. Researchers noted the woman's condition was rare and dangerous, especially during pregnancy, but she was treated successfully.Although the exact source of the woman's infection was not confirmed, the case has raised concerns among veterinarians, who are urging dog owners to be mindful of certain health risks. Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinarian at pet insurance company Waggel, noted that letting dogs lick faces, particularly near the mouth or eyes, can pose hygiene concerns.While humans don't become infected by adult tapeworms living in a dog's body, they can inadvertently ingest the parasite's eggs through faecal contamination. If a dog has traces of faeces on its mouth or fur and then licks a person, there is a small but possible risk of transmission.The parasite thrives in areas where livestock are raised, and dogs may scavenge on infected animal remains, which contain larvae. Once ingested, the larvae mature into tapeworms in the dog's intestines. The eggs are then shed in the animal's stool, potentially contaminating the environment and putting humans at risk.As per the vet, regular deworming of dogs and practising good hygiene, especially after handling pets or letting them near the face, can significantly reduce the risk.The condition is extremely serious in humans, often impacting the liver, lungs, or other organs. In this particular case, the cyst formed in the omentum (a fold of tissue in the abdomen), which is an uncommon site of infection. If left untreated, hydatid cysts can grow and rupture, leading to life-threatening complications. Especially in vulnerable groups like pregnant women, early detection and surgical intervention may be the only way to avoid severe consequences.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Experts urge Centre to implement mandatory warning labels on packaged foods
A collective of public health experts, scientists, legal professionals, and consumer rights advocates on June 3, 2025 issued a renewed call to the Central government to adopt mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on food and beverage products high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). The demand was made during a virtual press conference convened to launch a national Position Statement on Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL). The event, organised by the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), brought together more than 25 health and civil society organisations that have endorsed the Position Statement. The context for the conference was the Supreme Court's observation during a hearing in April 2025 on a public interest litigation concerning misleading food packaging and inadequate labelling practices. The Court noted that several widely consumed packaged food products, lacked clear front-of-pack information regarding their health risks. It directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to revise and finalise its pending 2022 draft regulation on FOPNL within a three-month timeframe. The Position Statement presented at the conference calls for the immediate implementation of interpretive warning labels on HFSS products to enable informed consumer choices and stem the growing tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. K. Srinath Reddy, former president of the Public Health Foundation of India, highlighted the dangers of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), likening their health claims to the paradox of breathing polluted air. 'Saying ultra-processed food gives nutrients is like saying polluted air also gives oxygen,' he said. Speakers Arun Gupta, National Convener of NAPi, elaborated on India's regulatory delays and called for a policy that reflects global health standards. Chandrakant Lahariya of the Foundation for People-centric Health Systems, presented scientific findings from India, reiterating that HFSS foods are directly linked to the rise in lifestyle diseases. Diabetologist Banshi Saboo highlighted the alarming increase in diabetes and obesity, stating that consumer choices are heavily influenced by deceptive packaging and unregulated health claims. Ashim Sanyal, chief operating cfficer at VOICE( Voluntary Organisation in Interest of Consumer Education) addressed the issue of label literacy and the confusion caused by star-based or traffic light labelling systems, while senior advocates M.R. Rajendran Nair and Rajiv Shankar Dvivedi detailed the Supreme Court's observations in the ongoing PIL seeking stricter food labelling regulations. Call for WHO-alinged nutrient profiling model In India, a multi-state trial conducted in 2022 by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai and CMR - NIN in India with over 2,800 participants showed that warning labels outperformed all other forms of labelling in enabling consumers to identify unhealthy products. A separate study by ICMR-NIN confirmed that brief exposure to such labels led to measurable changes in purchasing decisions. Speakers also discussed the Indian Nutrition Rating (INR), a star-based system proposed by the FSSAI, saying that it fails to alert consumers about health risks. Instead, they pointed out, it creates a 'health halo' around processed food products that should be avoided, not encouraged. Drawing on international examples, the panel referred to Chile's use of black octagonal warning labels that state 'High in Sugar,' 'High in Salt,' or 'High in Fat.' The introduction of these labels resulted in a 24 % drop in sugary beverage consumption within the first year of implementation. Mexico adopted similar warning labels after years of rising obesity. These systems are based on nutrient profiling models recommended by the WHO, and they have shown that clear, interpretive warnings are more effective than numeric or star-based labels in influencing consumer behaviour and industry practices. Crucially, the Statement calls for the Indian government to safeguard labelling laws from being weakened in international trade negotiations, such as the ongoing India–UK Free Trade Agreement.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
A Ray of Hope: Hearing-Impaired Boy Receives Rs 8 Lakh Aid Through Compassionate Efforts of Dr. Sampath Kumar and ENT Specialist Dr. Pranaya Deepika
Gadwal: In a touching instance of humanity and compassion, a young boy suffering from congenital hearing loss has received a lifeline thanks to the combined efforts of former MLA and AICC Secretary Dr. S.A. Sampath Kumar and his daughter, ENT specialist Dr. Pranaya Deepika. The Case That Touched Hearts Badrinath, the son of potter Kummari Ramudu from Dharmavaram village, Erravalli Mandal, Alampur constituency, was born with a severe hearing impairment. As a result, he has been unable to develop speech, making day-to-day communication a challenge for the young boy and his family. When Badrinath's condition was brought to the attention of Dr. S.A. Sampath Kumar, former Alampur MLA and AICC Secretary, he responded promptly and empathetically. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Dr. Sampath Kumar consulted his daughter, Dr. Pranaya Deepika, a qualified ENT specialist. A Doctor's Compassion and a Father's Support Deeply moved by the child's condition, Dr. Pranaya Deepika recommended advanced medical treatment, including the installation of hearing aids, at the renowned ENT Hospital in Koti, Hyderabad. Understanding the financial burden such treatment could impose on the impoverished family, Dr. Sampath Kumar took proactive steps to ensure the child received timely assistance. Using his influence and commitment to public welfare, he worked with government authorities to sanction a Letter of Credit (LOC) worth ₹8,00,000 to cover the medical expenses, particularly for the installation of specialized hearing devices. Presentation of the Sanction Letter In a small but meaningful event, the official LOC copy was formally handed over to Badrinath's family. The presentation was made by Dr. S.A. Sampath Kumar, Dr. Pranaya Deepika, Youth Congress State Vice-President Deepak Prajna (Dr. Sampath Kumar's grandson), and senior Congress leader Madhu Naidu. This gesture not only brought hope to Badrinath and his family but also stood as a testament to the enduring values of empathy and social responsibility. Public Reaction Locals and social activists have widely appreciated this humanitarian effort, lauding Dr. Pranaya Deepika for her medical initiative and Dr. Sampath Kumar for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of underprivileged communities. This heartening episode reaffirms the positive impact that compassionate leadership and timely medical intervention can bring to those in need—offering not just treatment, but a chance at a better life.
India Today
5 days ago
- India Today
Cervical Cancer Awareness in India: Identify the symptoms, act early to prevent it
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in India. The number of new cases of cervical cancer is on the rise in India. Every year around 96,000 new cases are diagnosed. The most saddening thing is that more than 60,000 women are not diagnosed with this serious disease at the right time. The reason for this is lack of awareness about this disease amongst women. It is very important to understand the symptoms of this disease and take precautions to prevent CERVICAL CANCER AND ITS SYMPTOMSCervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix. The part below the womb that is connected to the vagina is called the cervix. Most cases are caused by high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, which is a common sexually transmitted saddest thing is that in the early stages there are no obvious symptoms of cervical cancer, so regular screening is very important. Its symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, strange discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. This is a life-saving step. According to Dr Srinivas K Jois, Professor & Head , Dept of OBG, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institution, 'Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers in women for which the cause is clearly known, a virus called HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Fortunately, there is an effective primary preventive measure available in the form of a vaccine. It is important to recognise the symptoms and take early action to prevent this disease. I share this crucial message with all my patients: to prevent cervical cancer in time, it is essential for women to be aware of its symptoms and act promptly. Routine screenings such as Pap smears and HPV tests help detect precancerous changes in the body before cancer develops, allowing timely treatment. The HPV vaccine is safe and, when administered between the ages of 9 and 46, is highly effective , not only in preventing cervical cancer but also vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oral ROLE OF HPV VACCINATION AND SCREENINGadvertisementDr Arun H N, MS, MCh, FICS, FALS. Associate professor, Department of Surgical Oncology. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Bengaluru said , 'Early detection by screening prevents death by cervical cancer. The most effective way to get rid of cervical cancer is to take the HPV vaccine on time. Primary prevention of cervical cancer through vaccination protects 90% of women. Along with taking the vaccine, women should also get themselves screened regularly. Women need to keep getting themselves tested and tested regularly till the age of 65. Actually, all types of HPV infections do not turn into cancer, but due to continuous infection, there is a change in the cells that can be detected through tests. And treatment can also be started in time".While discussing this topic, Dr Bhanuprakash C N, Consultant Pediatrician, BBMP, Bengaluru said, " Cervical cancer vaccine is most effective when administered before a person is exposed to HPV. CDC recommends HPV vaccination at the age of 11 or 12yrs can be administered as early as age 9yr."CHALLENGES IN INDIA: AWARENESS AND ACCESSThere are ways to prevent this cancer. But people lack awareness about cervical cancer in rural and less developed areas. Women do not get vaccinated due to lack of education, incorrect information, and cultural differences. There is a lack of health services and facilities in many places in Braja Kishore Pradhan, CEO & Founder of the Aahwahan Foundation, says, 'To defeat cervical cancer in India, I personally believe that eradicating cervical cancer requires a collective effort. We all need to come together, individuals, communities, and organisations—to create strong awareness among girls and we are actively working on this cause, it has been quite challenging to convince people, even when we are offering the HPV vaccine free of main barrier is a lack of awareness and openness, especially since the topic is sensitive and related to the vaginal area. Many girls and women are hesitant to talk about it, which makes our work even more urgently need more awareness programs to help them understand the importance and safety of the vaccine. This cannot be done alone. I sincerely appeal to all NGOs, educational institutions, health workers, doctors and community leaders to step forward and join hands with we can reach underprivileged girls and women, especially in schools and colleges, and make a meaningful impact."Mobile health clinics and mass screening schemes can help in reaching rural and remote areas.'advertisementEMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH KNOWLEDGECorrect information on cervical cancer can help save women's lives. In awareness campaigns, it is important to dispel misconceptions about the HPV vaccine and screening along with providing information about symptoms of this disease and its people in the community, healthcare providers, should have open and positive conversations with people about women's health. And discussion on this topic should be promoted in rural areas. So that women can be proactive about their health.
