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Worms: Hydatid disease
Description
Hydatid disease is caused by a small tapeworm called Echinococcus granulosis. This
is passed to humans from infected dogs. The disease is transmitted when tapeworm
eggs in dog faeces are transferred from hands to mouths. This may happen when a
person handles dogs or objects soiled with dog faeces, or ingests contaminated food or
water. Hydatid disease is not transmitted directly from person to person.
Hydatid disease causes cysts to grow in different parts of the body. Any organ may be
affected. Sometimes these cysts cause no symptoms at all and are found during
routine chest X-rays. However, if the cysts grow in vital organs (such as the liver,
lungs or brain) they may cause disease. Hydatid disease is essentially a problem of the
rural community, especially the sheep farmer.
Incubation period
Variable, from months to years, depending upon the number and location of cysts and
how rapidly they grow.
Infectious period
Dogs begin to pass eggs of the parasite approximately seven weeks after becoming
infected. Most infections in dogs resolve within 6 months, but some adult tapeworms
may survive as long as 2–3 years. Dogs can become infected repeatedly.
Exclusion period
Nil.
Responsibilities of child care providers/staff
Ensure routine de-worming of dogs in the community and particularly dogs that
frequent the centre.
Responsibilities of parents
Ensure that adults and children wash their hands before eating.
Dispose of dog faeces regularly, wearing gloves.
Controlling the spread of infection
Ensure that adults and children wash their hands before eating.
Dispose of dog faeces regularly, wearing gloves.
Treatment
This may be drug therapy, or surgery to remove the cysts.
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