Capillariasis outbreak in a Zambo Village
There is already an alarming case of capillariasis in a village in Zamboanga, called Moyo, where everyone is afflicted with the intestinal parasite infestation. Seventy villagers have already died and blamed for their own death. These people have been warned about eating freshwater fish and shrimps as they may harbor this parasite.
Facts about Capillariasis:
Mode of Transmission:
The disease can be acquired through consumption of infected raw or improperly cooked small freshwater fish.
Incubation Period:
After eating infected fish, it takes at least about 2 weeks for the eggs to mature.
Signs and Symptoms:
* Abdominal pain
* Chronic diarrhea for more than 2 weeks
* Loss of appetite
* Weight lost
* Vomiting
* Swelling of the body
* Muscle wasting
Treatment:
• Mebendazole 400 mg/day given in divided doses for 20 days for new
cases and for 30 days for relapses of cases.
• Eggs and parasites disappear from feces within 4 days and symptoms
within a week.
• Albendazole has also been found effective in treating intestinal
capillariasis using the same dosage as Mebendazole.
Prevention and Control:
• Cook fish thoroughly before eating.
• Avoid eating raw fish.
• Use sanitary toilet for disposal of human waste.
Capillariasis is an intestinal parasitism caused by smallest nematodes that infect humans called Capillaria Philippinesis. The worms can be seen in the small intestine of humans.
Source: Department of Health
I used to believe capillariasis is limited to the north in places such as Ilocandia. Now that it reached Mindanao, I wish it will spare Visayas. Though as of now parasites are less evolving than viruses or bacteria in terms of thier virulence to man, they might in the future develop into or produce something man can tolerate no more.