Latest news with #Echinococcus
National Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
Northern Alberta epicenter for rare coyote-borne tapeworm: U of A doctor
A forty-fold increase in a Canadian strain of coyote-borne tapeworm that can cross to the human population is causing concerns for doctors in northern Alberta. Article content Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic parasite that resides quite harmlessly in coyotes, foxes, wolves— even domestic dogs and cats, but the symptoms in humans are enough to make you wash your hands, rinse, and repeat if you shake a paw. Article content Article content Dr. Dave Waldner is an infectious diseases physician affiliated with the University of Alberta. Article content 'We haven't had it as an issue in Alberta and Canada for too long, but over the last several years, it's certainly been emerging and concerning,' Waldner said. Article content Current diagnosed cases put the risk as low — one in 100,000 Albertans. Article content The first was identified in 2013 in Edmonton, and the majority of Alberta cases are in the northern half of the province. Article content Mice and voles perpetuate the disease by eating eggs shed in canid dung and then being consumed by a predator. Article content The disease was probably inadvertently imported from Europe in a dog or fox, which aren't required to be dewormed, and does not cause obvious symptoms in the host coyote, fox, dog, or cat. Article content 'We've now identified over 40 cases in Alberta, and there's several more throughout other parts of Canada, but Alberta seems to be a bit of a hot spot,' Waldner said. Article content 'We have the majority of the cases in Canada.' Article content Article content According to a May 2022 bulletin from Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, posted on Alberta Health's MyHealth website, the disease caused by the tapeworm, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) spreads animal-to-person but not person-to-person. Article content Article content 'People can be infected by E. multi by accidentally swallowing tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water, or from handling infected animals,' it reads. Article content Alberta Health said the common ways of getting AE include eating foods (usually wild berries and herbs) or drinking water that has been contaminated with the stool of an infected coyote, fox, dog, or cat.
Vancouver Sun
25-05-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Northern Alberta epicenter for rare coyote-borne tapeworm: U of A doctor
A forty-fold increase in a Canadian strain of coyote-borne tapeworm that can cross to the human population is causing concerns for doctors in northern Alberta. Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic parasite that resides quite harmlessly in coyotes , foxes, wolves— even domestic dogs and cats, but the symptoms in humans are enough to make you wash your hands, rinse, and repeat if you shake a paw. Dr. Dave Waldner is an infectious diseases physician affiliated with the University of Alberta. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We haven't had it as an issue in Alberta and Canada for too long, but over the last several years, it's certainly been emerging and concerning,' Waldner said. Current diagnosed cases put the risk as low — one in 100,000 Albertans. The first was identified in 2013 in Edmonton, and the majority of Alberta cases are in the northern half of the province. Mice and voles perpetuate the disease by eating eggs shed in canid dung and then being consumed by a predator. The disease was probably inadvertently imported from Europe in a dog or fox, which aren't required to be dewormed, and does not cause obvious symptoms in the host coyote, fox, dog, or cat. 'We've now identified over 40 cases in Alberta, and there's several more throughout other parts of Canada, but Alberta seems to be a bit of a hot spot,' Waldner said. 'We have the majority of the cases in Canada.' According to a May 2022 bulletin from Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, posted on Alberta Health's MyHealth website, the disease caused by the tapeworm, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) spreads animal-to-person but not person-to-person. 'People can be infected by E. multi by accidentally swallowing tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water, or from handling infected animals,' it reads. Alberta Health said the common ways of getting AE include eating foods (usually wild berries and herbs) or drinking water that has been contaminated with the stool of an infected coyote, fox, dog, or cat. 'Touching, petting, or handling a household pet infected with the tapeworm, then accidentally swallowing the tapeworm eggs by touching your mouth. Infected pets can have tapeworm eggs in their stool and their fur may be contaminated. 'Handling animals like coyotes, foxes, or dogs as part of your job or hobby (e.g., trappers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians),' the site said. Waldner said typically voles or mice eat the eggs, which turn into larva, at which point the mammals prey on the rodents, and the larva hatch into tapeworms. 'We as humans become infected by inadvertently taking the place of the rodents, so somehow, coming into contact and consuming those eggs that are passed in the feces,' Waldner said. Likely sources are vegetables or fruits in the garden, or trappers who are coming in close contact with animals, he said. The coyotes are the likeliest transmitters in northern Alberta, he said, adding there are around 2,000 in Edmonton's river valley. Alas, the eggs are 'super robust.' 'They can resist extremely cold temperatures, so our winter won't kill them off,' he said. For a human, the tiny larvae cause lesions in the liver — more like an expanding tumor with necrotic centres — but it doesn't stop there. 'It kind of behaves like a cancer and can metastasize to all over the body. And it can also spread locally and then basically throughout the liver and into adjacent organs and structures,' Waldner said. AE can metastasize to the brain. It's a medical problem that needs to be treated, Waldner said, although he's not aware of any fatalities from the parasite among his patients. While symptoms may include pain or discomfort in the upper belly, weakness, weight loss, symptoms mimicking liver cancer or liver disease, it can be hard to diagnose. Blood serology tests can be inconclusive, showing previous exposure and not necessarily current infection. Ultrasounds are expensive and not always conclusive. In many cases, the masses formed by the lesions might not exhibit symptoms unless they block a bile duct, and may go unnoticed until the host gets a liver scan, which gets biopsied. Then it's the good news-bad news scenario: 'Well, it's not cancer.' Waldner said with treatment, people do well and can survive for very long periods of time. Ideally, they'd have it surgically removed. Otherwise, they're on lifelong medication to control the infection. The preferred medication isn't Health Canada approved, so requires special authorization for use and importation, he said. 'But we know that in the absence of treatment, like if someone was not treated for whatever reason, it can be very severe and fatal,' he said. The Alberta Health site recommends good hand hygiene like washing hands with soap and water after touching pets, and before touching food. Wash or cook wild picked foods such as berries and herbs carefully before eating them. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent E. multi tapeworm infection in your pets. Do not allow your pets to eat rodents or other wild animals. Keep your pet clean. Some dogs will roll in wild animal stool and can then spread tapeworm eggs from their fur to the home environment. For those dealing with wild animals in their profession, wear disposable gloves if you are handling a coyote, fox, or other wild animal (dead or alive). Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun .
News18
09-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Massive Tapeworm Cyst Found In Pregnant Woman, Likely Got It From Her Dog
Last Updated: A pregnant woman in Tunisia was found with a giant tapeworm cyst. Experts urge caution around dogs, warning against face licking due to risk of parasite transmission In a startling medical case that has prompted health and veterinary warnings, a pregnant woman in Tunisia was found to have a massive tapeworm cyst in her abdomen, larger than a tennis ball. The unexpected discovery has triggered concern among health experts, with one clear message: be cautious when handling dogs. Pregnancy Pain Leads To Shocking Diagnosis According to a New York Post report, a 26-year-old woman, who was 20 weeks pregnant, had been experiencing persistent stomach pain. Seeking relief, she visited a hospital where doctors carried out a CT scan. What they found was both rare and alarming: a hydatid cyst, a dangerous growth caused by tapeworm infection, located in her pelvic region. Medical experts have since confirmed that this type of infection is typically caused by contact with dogs that carry tapeworm eggs, raising red flags for pet owners everywhere. Though the specific source of infection in this case was not confirmed, the cyst's characteristics matched that of a hydatid cyst, a condition linked to Echinococcus tapeworms. Dogs, especially those in rural or farming areas, can carry the parasite. The risk increases if dogs have access to raw meat or livestock, or are not dewormed regularly. Veterinary Advice Amy Warner, a veterinarian affiliated with the pet insurance company Waggle, has issued a strong warning on social media: 'Avoid letting dogs lick your face, especially near your mouth and eyes. Tapeworm eggs are shed through a dog's stool and can stick to their fur or muzzle." Even a small trace of contaminated faecal matter can transmit the parasite to humans, potentially with serious consequences. How To Stay Safe? To protect both humans and pets, vets recommend the following precautions: Hydatid disease, while rare in many regions, remains relatively common in Tunisia, where parasitic infections are a persistent concern. The parasite can also affect the liver and lungs, making early detection and prevention critical. First Published: May 09, 2025, 13:59 IST
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Veterinarian warns against seemingly harmless activity with your dog — after massive parasite was found in woman's pelvis
It's just doggone bad luck. Doctors discovered a cyst twice the size of a tennis ball in the pelvis of a pregnant woman who was rushed to the hospital following months of abdominal pain. 3 One veterinarian has issued a warning over a habit treasured by dog owners over fear of tapeworm infection. Ben Ali et al., Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports They successfully saved the 26-year-old woman — who was 20 weeks pregnant — before running scans that revealed it was a hydatid cyst, a growth formed by a tapeworm infection that humans most commonly get from interacting with dog poop. While the case study did not specify what caused the cyst, one veterinarian is letting dog owners know a possible culprit could lie in a treasured activity: letting a dog lick your face. 'Ideally, dogs should not lick faces, especially around the mouth or eyes, as a matter of health,' Dr. Aimee Warner, a resident veterinarian at pet insurance company Waggel, told the Daily Mail. 'Humans are not infected by the adult tapeworms within the dog, but instead ingest Echinococcus eggs passed in dog feces by accident. If a dog has fecal soiling on its mouth or coat and then licks someone, there is a potential — albeit rare — for transmission.' To avoid contracting the disease, Warner recommends keeping your dog away from raw meat and livestock, getting the pooch dewormed regularly and maintaining good personal hygiene. 3 'Good pet ownership can be the difference in preventing risks,' she said. Getty Images/iStockphoto 'Good pet ownership can be the difference in preventing risks,' she said. The female patient was from Tunisia, where the researchers note that the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm is 'very common.' This parasite can lead to severe liver damage in humans and is increasingly being reported in parts of Europe, Canada and the US. 3 To avoid contracting the disease, Warner recommends keeping your dog away from raw meat and livestock, getting the pooch dewormed regularly and maintaining good personal hygiene. Getty Images While rare, cases are reported annually in states like Arizona, New Mexico, California and Utah — and are more prevalent in rural areas, particularly those with dogs and sheep. In 2018, a 35-year-old woman complaining of tingling in her feet was found to have a tapeworm lodged in her spine. In 2020, doctors were stunned to discover that a woman's bulging eyes were caused by a cyst that was filled with baby tapeworms. And in 2024, a New York mother discovered her persistent seizures had been caused by tapeworm eggs in her brain.
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning to dog owners who let their pets lick them after woman catches horror parasite
PET WARNING Urgent warning to dog owners who let their pets lick them after woman catches horror parasite Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PET owners have been warned of the deadly consequences of letting their pets lick them after a pregnant woman developed a massive parasitic cyst in her abdomen. The 26-year-old, who is 20 weeks pregnant and from rural Tunisia, complained of having stomach pain before doctors unearthed huge cyst in her pelvis. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Pet owners have been warned against letting their dogs lick their faces Credit: Alamy Hospital staff swooped in a performed emergency surgery to save the unborn child before it burst. It was revealed to be a hydatid cyst - the result of a parasitic infection from a tapeworm that causes cysts in your liver and other organs. The most common form is Echinococcus granulous, and it's often caught by herbivore animals such as sheep or cattle and then transferred to carnivore's animals such as dogs and cats. It can get accidentally transferred to humans via contaminated food by an ova of a parasite. Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at pet insurance company Waggel, has issued a warning to pet owners on the back of the case. "Ideally, dogs should not lick faces, especially around the mouth or eyes, as a matter of health," she told "Humans are not infected by the adult tapeworms within the dog, but instead ingest Echinococcus eggs passed in dog feces by accident. "If a dog has fecal soiling on its mouth or coat and then licks someone, there is a potential — albeit rare — for transmission." UK THREAT It comes after experts sounded the alarm over the surge of a "neglected" parasite that can cause deadly liver failure. Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare parasitic disease that spreads from animals to humans and is "of increasing concern worldwide" - but the recent rise in cases has sparked fears that it could reach the UK. The dangerous dog attack capital nestled in the Welsh valleys The "silently progressing and infiltrative disease" is caused by the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis, known as the fox parasite as it tends to infect foxes, as well as dogs. While animals won't usually show any signs of infection, the parasite can cause serious illness in humans, who may pick it up from contact with fox or dog faeces or handling contaminated plants, soil or berries. When the parasite enters the body, it can cause tumour-like growths - usually in the liver - that expand slowly over 10 to 15 years, until they cause symptoms such as stomach pain, weight loss and signs of liver failure. Left untreated, the tapeworms may spread to other organs and can be fatal. The World Health Organisation (WHO) previously listed AE as one of its 17 most "neglected" diseases in 2014, calling for more to be done to control it. Swiss scientists have now revealed that cases of AE, though still rare, increased nearly three times over in a 30 year period. They also revealed that the parasitical disease - once contained in Europe, China, Japan and Siberia - is now spreading to parts of Canada and the United States. "Previously non-endemic regions such as North America and eastern central Europe are reporting an increasing number of AE patients," University Hospital Zurich scientists wrote in a report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So far, there have been no known domestically acquired cases of E. multilocularis in the UK, meaning it has only been brought in from someone who has travelled. But as cases of the disease are increasingly spotted European regions, it has stoked fears that the parasite may infect animals and humans in the British Isles.
