Another case of dragon worm infection discovered in Phu Tho

Image of a patient with dragon worm in Phu Tho - Photo: BVCC

On May 10, Yen Lap District Medical Center, Phu Tho informed that it had just received treatment for a patient infected with dragon worm.

According to the patient, initially, a pale pink rash appeared on the skin of the left hip. After 5 days, a small, 5-6cm long zigzag line appeared on the left knee, the skin was dry, itchy, no discharge, no pus or fever.

Test results confirmed that the patient was infected with dragon worms and is being treated at Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital.

The World Health Organization classifies ascariasis as a neglected tropical disease and is one of the parasitic diseases prioritized for global elimination.

By 2024, acanthosis nigricans will only be endemic in five African countries (Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, South Sudan) and Vietnam.

In Vietnam, from 2020 to 2024, 24 cases of disease caused by Dracunculus sp. were recorded in 5 provinces: Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa and Yen Bai.

A few days ago, at Tan Son Medical Center, Phu Tho, a case of dragon worms was discovered in a 44-year-old man who went to the hospital due to high fever, swollen biceps, and severe itching. This was the 25th case recorded.

Image of a patient with dragon worm in Phu Tho - Photo: BVCC

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Do Trung Dung - Head of the Parasitology Department, Central Institute of Malaria, Entomology and Parasitology, there is no treatment or vaccine for "dragon worm" disease. Infected people must wait until the "dragon worm" crawls out of the skin through cracks or blisters on the skin.

When the "dragon worm" comes out, the patient/medical authority will wrap it carefully to pull the worm out, but must do so that the worm does not break and is removed gradually. In some cases, it takes more than a day for the worm to completely come out of the skin.

Apart from this method, it is absolutely not recommended to perform surgery or cut off the "dragon worm", because when cut off, millions of "dragon worm" larvae can be released into the patient's skin, which can cause further infection or a very strong inflammatory reaction. There have been patients who have experienced this condition.

In cases where the "dragon worm" does not come out through the skin, the worm may degenerate or enter the joints, causing disease there. From infection to symptoms usually takes 11-12 months.

The habit of eating undercooked meat of animals such as snakes and frogs, and drinking raw water contaminated with larvae is the cause of this disease. To prevent the disease, people should absolutely not eat raw fish, rare food, or salad. Drink boiled water, avoid using well water or unfiltered stream water. Maintain personal hygiene and a clean living environment.

When there are signs of blisters, swelling of the skin of the limbs, fever of unknown origin, you need to go to a medical facility immediately for examination and timely treatment. Prevention is the only effective measure at present. Be proactive in protecting yourself and your family from this dangerous parasitic disease.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/lai-phat-hien-ca-mac-giun-rong-o-phu-tho-20250510160613125.htm