Emerging Angiostrongyliasis in Mainland China
Author Information
Author(s): Lv Shan, Zhang Yi, Steinmann Peter, Zhou Xiao-Nong
Primary Institution: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
The study aims to review angiostrongyliasis outbreaks in mainland China and recommend measures to prevent and control the disease.
Conclusion
Angiostrongyliasis is emerging in China due to changes in food consumption habits and transportation, necessitating improved public awareness and food safety measures.
Supporting Evidence
- The first human case of angiostrongyliasis in mainland China was diagnosed in 1984.
- A large outbreak occurred in Beijing during 2006, affecting 160 persons.
- 75.1% of all patients had eaten raw apple snails or raw giant African land snails.
- Socioeconomic changes have increased the popularity of eating raw food in China.
Takeaway
People in China are getting sick from a disease caused by a parasite found in raw snails, and we need to be careful about what we eat.
Methodology
The study involved a literature review of recorded cases and outbreaks of angiostrongyliasis in mainland China.
Limitations
The prevalence in domestic animals and nonrodent wildlife remains to be fully investigated.
Participant Demographics
The age range of patients in the Beijing outbreak was 13–57 years, with a median age of 36 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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