Jordanian media have reported a rising spread of the disease known as "echinococcosis" or "canine cysts" in the country, which can lead to death due to transmission from pet dogs and cats. In this context, chest surgery consultant Dr. Naif Freewan confirmed that "this disease is spreading in the Arab region in general, particularly in Jordan, East Asia, and Iran, through dogs consuming the liver of herbivorous animals infected with cysts. This enables the cyst to transfer to the dog, leading to the development of parasites and worms in its stomach, causing the worm to produce many eggs that the dog excretes."
He pointed out that “dog waste may be found in orchards and fields, contaminating fruits and vegetables. If humans consume these, the worm enters their body and liver, forming a cyst.” He affirmed that “the rate of liver infection can reach up to 70%, while lung infection can be up to 30%. In some cases, both the liver and lungs may be infected simultaneously.”
Regarding the symptoms of this disease, Dr. Naif explained that they do not initially appear until the cyst begins to enlarge, placing pressure on the liver, diaphragm, and lungs, leading to pain and shortness of breath. The cyst could burst within the body, causing a severe allergic reaction that may result in death.
As for treatment, he clarified that "it is limited to the surgical removal of cysts along with medication." Dr. Freewan urged people to "thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, avoid consuming milk from farms that have dogs, as it may be contaminated, and monitor livestock keepers who have dogs."
On another note, pulmonary disease consultant Dr. Abdel Rahman Al-Anani confirmed that "this disease can also be transmitted through food contaminated with cat feces and consuming undercooked meat that contains worm eggs; thus, it can multiply in the body and establish a home in the liver or lungs. Therefore, pet owners are considered the most at risk of infection." He noted that "the number of cases in Jordan is moderate, and treatment occurs in two phases: surgery to remove the cysts via laparoscope, followed by a drug treatment period ranging from 3 to 6 months."
