Fascioliasis

Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection caused by liver flukes, primarily Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica. It affects humans and various grazing animals, being most common in regions with livestock farming and specific freshwater snails. The flukes primarily inhabit the bile ducts and liver.

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Recent Cases (30d)
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Active Outbreaks
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What is Fascioliasis?

Liver flukes were recognized in livestock centuries ago, with *Fasciola hepatica* first described in sheep in the 16th century. Human cases gained clearer understanding in the 19th and 20th centuries as the parasite's life cycle and transmission routes were elucidated. It has long been a significant cause of economic losses in livestock and an underestimated public health problem.

Symptoms

  • Acute/Migratory phase: Fever, abdominal pain (especially right upper quadrant), hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), rash, eosinophilia (elevated white blood cell count).
  • Chronic/Biliary phase: Intermittent abdominal pain, indigestion, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), cholangitis (bile duct inflammation), and sometimes gallstones.

Transmission

Humans contract Fascioliasis by ingesting metacercariae, the infective larval stage, which are typically found encysted on raw or undercooked aquatic plants (like watercress) or in contaminated water. After ingestion, metacercariae excyst in the intestine, penetrate the gut wall, and migrate through the peritoneal cavity to the liver, eventually settling in the bile ducts where they mature. Freshwater snails serve as the intermediate hosts in the parasite's life cycle.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Avoid consuming raw or undercooked aquatic plants (e.g., watercress, water lettuce) from endemic areas.
  • Wash all vegetables thoroughly, especially those grown in or near water.
  • Boil or adequately treat water from potentially contaminated sources before drinking.
  • Control snail populations (intermediate hosts) in endemic regions.
  • Implement proper disposal of human and animal feces to prevent environmental contamination.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Fascioliasis activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Fascioliasis case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if Fascioliasis activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Fascioliasis prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • Avoid consuming raw or undercooked aquatic plants (e.g., watercress, water lettuce) from endemic areas.
  • Wash all vegetables thoroughly, especially those grown in or near water.
  • Boil or adequately treat water from potentially contaminated sources before drinking.
  • Control snail populations (intermediate hosts) in endemic regions.
  • Implement proper disposal of human and animal feces to prevent environmental contamination.
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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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