ECHINOCOCCUS PREVENTION

In Kyrgyzstan, with a population of 6 million, every year over 800 people go to the hospital because of echinococcal disease. Most cases are diagnosed in children. Unfortunately, many of them cannot be treated ...

Echinococcosis (Echinococcosis) is a parasitic disease caused in humans by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus or, more commonly, E. multilocularis. The parasite's reservoir and source of infection are domestic animals (dogs, cats) and wild (foxes, wolves) sheeding parasite eggs with feces into the environment.

Single-chamber tapeworm larva is deposited in the liver, lungs or other organ. A fluid-filled cyst is formed around it, which grows slowly, sometimes reaching even 30 cm in diameter. Echinococcosis is a more serious form of the disease. No cyst forms in the liver; the parasite grows quickly, destroying the flesh of this organ - as a result, the liver resembles a leaky cheese. Echinococcus travels with blood to the lungs, eye and even to the brain. 90% of untreated cases end in death. Appropriate treatment reduces mortality by 10–14%, but there is a high probability that the disease will recur.

The goal of our activities is to help the Kyrgyz Republic to prevent echinococcosis in humans and animals and to reduce the population of stray dogs. Thanks to the support of medical doctors, we conduct ultrasound screening in children at schools for echinococcosis. During the talks, we give out cotton bags with printed instructions among children - HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELVE AGAINST ECHINOCOCCOS.

KYRGYZSTAN needs our support!

Echinococcosis takes a huge toll there!

More information about parasitic diseases can be found HERE