Worm-like parasite Fox on the migrate

Worm-like parasite Fox on the migrate

In a recent study, an international team, including the Medical University of Vienna, has recommended standardizing diagnostic standards to better prevent and manage the spread of Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE), a dangerous parasitic disease caused by the fox tapeworm (*Echinococcus multilocularis*).

AE, a zoonotic disease, is transmitted from animals to humans and has been documented in 28 countries between 1997 and 2023, with a total of 4,207 cases. The Alps region and the Baltic countries are identified as regions with high infection rates.

The infection often remains asymptomatic for years, primarily affecting the liver, and can cause severe disease if left untreated. Awareness among healthcare providers and the public is crucial due to underreporting and underdiagnosis noted in Europe.

In Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland, the countries with the highest number of recorded cases, recommendations focus on minimizing contact with the parasite eggs shed by foxes. Key precautions include avoiding consuming wild berries and mushrooms without thorough washing or cooking, practicing good hygiene, especially washing hands thoroughly after outdoor activities, preventing dogs and cats from hunting or scavenging wild rodents, regular deworming of pets in endemic regions, and public education.

In residential areas and cities, where foxes are spreading more and more, the risk of infection from everyday activities like gardening or walking increases. Around 70% of all recorded cases are concentrated in just four countries - Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. Scientists suspect that high fox populations and increasing contact between wild animals, pets, and humans contribute to this increase.

If left untreated, the disease can have serious consequences, including the growth of larval tissue like a tumor and spread to other organs. In severe cases, surgical removal of affected liver tissue may be necessary. The study emphasizes the importance of consistent implementation of reporting obligations, the establishment of better monitoring systems, and a Europe-wide uniform recording of the disease to improve diagnosis and treatment.

The fox tapeworm and the alveolar echinococcosis it causes are spreading faster across Europe than previously thought. The study analyzed data from 40 European countries. To mitigate the rising risk of alveolar echinococcosis in high-incidence European countries, focus on careful food handling, hand hygiene, controlling pet exposure, and public education.

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