Introduction of Taenia solium into west New Guinea with a note on an epidemic of burns from cysticercus epilepsy in the Ekari people of the Wissel Lakes area
Gajdusek, D.C.
Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal 21(4): 329-342
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1480 PMID: 293108 Document Number: 129427
An historical account is given of the recognition of Taenia solium infection in humans and pigs in the Paniai area of West New Guinea. In 1972 and 1973 an epidemic of severe burns among older children and adults was observed at Enarotali hospital on Lake Paniai. In these 2 years 75 cases were seen, compared to only 8 in 1971. Many of the patients needed amputations. The burns occurred mostly at night and resulted from the patients rolling into the house fires during epileptic seizures caused by cerebral Cysticercus cellulosae infection. A survey in 1973 of the Enarotali population revealed a 4.2% prevalence of human cysticerciasis and in February 1976 in 11 villages in the Kabu area the prevalence of subcutaneous nodules or a history of recently acquired grand mal seizures was 18.3%. Neuropathological findings at autopsy of a 13-year-old girl are described and suggest that seizures are due to primary invasion of the brain by larvae rather than a much later secondary inflammation after death of the parasite. Treatment, prevention and diagnosis are outlined.