Rise in Parasitic Infections from Cats and Dogs
Dr. Hoàng Đình Cảnh, Senior Researcher at the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, has reported an alarming increase in parasitic diseases transmitted from cats and dogs.
According to Dr. Cảnh, the two main reasons for this rise are stray dogs and the growing trend of keeping cats and dogs as pets.
Typical lesions caused by cat and dog roundworms (Photo: Provided by doctors).
“Cat and dog roundworm larva infections are emerging parasitic diseases due to the increasing trend of keeping pets among young people. These infections cause damage to the liver, brain, spleen, kidneys, and can lead to prolonged allergic reactions with itching and rashes,” Dr. Cảnh explained.
Roundworms are common parasites found in cats and dogs. They can be transmitted to humans through contaminated soil or water, which may contain eggs from infected animals’ feces. Once ingested, these eggs hatch into larvae that travel through the body, causing symptoms such as itching, rashes, and skin lesions.
Notably, roundworm larvae can migrate to organs like the lungs, liver, and eyes, potentially leading to tissue necrosis and severe damage.
In just 2024, the Dang Van Ngu Hospital (affiliated with the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology) treated nearly 30,000 cases of roundworm infections. The hospital also recorded patients with liver damage caused by roundworm larvae, and some cases even resulted in vision loss due to eye damage.
Challenges in Malaria Eradication in Vietnam
On February 10, the reappointment of Dr. Nguyễn Quang Thiều as Deputy Director in charge of professional affairs at the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology was announced.
Dr. Thiều was reappointed after being recommended by the Party Committee of the Ministry of Health and officially approved by the Minister of Health.
Dr. Nguyễn Quang Thiều was reappointed as Deputy Director in charge of professional affairs at the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (Photo: Trần Minh).
Deputy Minister of Health, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Liên Hương, noted that parasitic infections and the disease burden caused by zoonotic helminthiasis in Vietnam remain significant. Diseases like cysticercosis, toxocariasis, paragonimiasis, sparganosis, schistosomiasis, and others have become more prevalent and widespread in the community.
Despite this, the number of malaria cases and deaths has continued to decrease, with only 353 cases reported in 2024. By 2024, 48 provinces and cities had been certified as malaria-free. The targets for malaria prevention and control have been met according to the planned timeline.
The National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology aims to eradicate malaria in Vietnam by 2030. To achieve this, there should be no indigenous malaria cases by 2027. However, several provinces still face persistent and complex malaria issues, such as Lai Châu, Khánh Hòa, and Quảng Trị.
Additionally, many imported malaria cases are reported annually, mainly from African countries, presenting significant challenges.
Source link: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/bac-si-canh-bao-tang-manh-benh-ky-sinh-trung-lay-tu-thu-cung-20250210185143703.htm
