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Epidemiology and Prevention
Fasciola hepatica has a
world wide distribution but
is mainly localized in
temperate areas. Countries
in Latin America have high
rate of infection with
Bolivia having as many as
350,000 humans infected with
the parasite. Most of the
infections however are most
common in the cattle
population.
Image
Source:
http://ryoko.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~parasite/distributions/fasciola_distribution.html
Public Health Prevention
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Limitation on
consumption of aquatic
vegetation
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Avoid eating
raw liver
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Vector control
by chemical treatment of
water
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Kill the
intermediate host by using
molluscicides
Most
prevention efforts should be
targeted in limiting
consumption of aquatic
vegetation. Consumption of
watercress particularly
accounts for all the human
infections. Limiting the
access of herbivores to
aquatic vegetation is also
an efficient control method.
Raising
awareness about the dangers
of raw liver consumption can
be an effective public
health effort. Education of
health officials is also
important in identifying
infected individuals early
and administering the
appropriate treatment. There
is a need for pressure from
the medical community to
permit the licensing of
Triclabendazole for human
use.
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