Infections can be treated by albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, or niclosamide. Parasite prevalence can be managed through molluscides, since the first parasitic stage depends on snails (Graczyk and Fried, 1998).
Establishing a separate control program is not justified due
to the nature of echinostomiasis; the World Health Organization can control it
through food-borne parasitoses programs already in place (Graczyk
and Fried, 1998).
Blocking or interrupting the life cycle can be achieved
through the use of molluscides, thus eliminating the intermediate hosts and
hindering transmission. Environmental
alteration can also curb echinostomiasis transmission; introducing predators of
the vector is one example (Graczyk and Fried, 1998).
Public education programs can have a great impact on
reduction of echinostomiasis. Educating
people about the dangers of using night soil and eating raw snails and tadpoles
is important. Understandably, habits
and cultural practices are difficult to change. But with the right implementation of health education programs
and changes in diet and food preparation, echinostomiasis can be greatly
reduced in endemic areas.