New York

Fascioliasis in New York

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.

No active Fascioliasis reports in New York right now.

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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.

New York Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

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New York Health Department

For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to New York, visit your state health department's website.

Understanding Fascioliasis: Key Questions

Whether you live in New York or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.

When to Seek Care

Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.

Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.

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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

View CDC Resources β†’

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources β†’

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: 2026-07-18

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