“There are many diseases transmitted from parasites and insects by eating undercooked foods, salads, blood pudding, and hydroponic vegetables. In particular, a number of emerging diseases have recorded an increase in cases such as: tapeworm infection, roundworm larvae of dogs and cats due to keeping pets."
Hugging pets can easily swallow dog and cat worm eggs
The above information was said by Dr. Hoang Dinh Canh, Director of the Central Institute of Malaria, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE), Ministry of Health, today, March 27.3, at an online interdisciplinary conference to strengthen work. Prevention and control of diseases transmitted from animals to humans in 2024. Conference organized by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Cases of roundworm infections in dogs and cats are exploding, especially due to keeping pets and frequently cuddling pets. When hugging or sleeping with pets, owners can easily swallow dog and cat roundworm eggs," Mr. Canh advised.
In humans, dog and cat roundworm eggs cannot develop into worms but in larval form. These larvae go to the lungs, brain, liver..., especially causing itching in the skin.
Particularly at Dang Van Ngu Hospital (under NIMPE), a hospital specializing in the treatment of insect parasitic diseases, in 2023, 15.527 patients infected with roundworms of dogs and cats were treated. It is estimated that nationwide there are 30.000 people sick from dog and cat roundworm infection at medical facilities across the country.
Roundworms of dogs and cats (toxocara canis) when on the host (living in the intestines of dogs and cats) will lay eggs. Worm eggs are released into the environment in feces, people swallow these eggs, due to poor personal hygiene during eating and drinking, or cuddling with pets.
After swallowing the eggs into the body, the worm larvae will pass through the intestinal wall and follow the bloodstream to the liver, lungs, and nervous system.
Mr. Canh also noted that Vietnam has many people infected with small liver flukes, in some places 65% of the population is infected with small liver flukes, especially in localities with the habit of eating raw and raw salads. It is estimated that each year 1 million people are infected with this tapeworm. Currently, liver fluke has been recorded in 32 provinces and cities.
At Dang Van Ngu Hospital, many people have been diagnosed with tumors and cancers of the brain, liver, and lungs, but the exact cause is a nest of worm larvae.
According to the recommendations of the Central Institute of Malaria, Parasitology and Insects, to prevent tapeworm infection, people need to eat cooked food, not raw food. For pet owners, it is necessary to clean pets of worms and especially manage their feces well, because this is the source of roundworm eggs. If hygiene is not clean, farmers are very susceptible to getting infected with worm eggs.
