Echinococcosis in Virginia

• Early stage: Often asymptomatic for years, growing slowly.
• Liver cysts: Abdominal pain, discomfort, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (if bile duct compressed), or a palpable mass.
• Lung cysts: Chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath.
• Other organs (less common): Neurological symptoms (brain), bone pain (bone), or a palpable mass elsewhere.
• Cyst rupture: Sudden onset of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), fever, rash, and itchiness.

Humans become infected with echinococcosis by accidentally ingesting microscopic *Echinococcus* eggs. These eggs are shed in the feces of infected definitive hosts, such as dogs, wolves, or foxes. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals, or by consuming contaminated food, water, or soil containing the eggs.

• Practice good hand hygiene, especially after contact with dogs, soil, or before eating.
• Regularly deworm domestic dogs under veterinary guidance.
• Prevent dogs from consuming raw offal (internal organs) from slaughtered livestock.
• Properly dispose of dog feces to prevent environmental contamination.
• Thoroughly wash fruits, vegetables, and herbs that may have been contaminated with dog feces or soil.