Fascioliasis

You can get infected by eating uncooked aquatic plants like watercress that have infectious larvae in them. You can also get infected by drinking contaminated water or eating vegetables that were irrigated or washed with contaminated water. You cannot get infected by direct contact with another person.

Fascioliasis may cause early symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• A swollen liver

• Liver function abnormalities

• Skin rashes

• Shortness of breath

• Abdominal pain or tenderness

In the chronic phase, there is inflammation and thickening of the bile ducts and gall bladder. This can lead to biliary lithiasis or obstruction. Symptoms of this phase include biliary colic, nausea, intolerance to fatty food, right upper quadrant pain, epigastric pain (upper central area of abdomen), obstructive jaundice (yellowing of skin, eyes due to bile accumulation), and pruritus (itching). These symptoms are due to a blockage in the biliary tract and inflammation in the gall bladder. Inflammation of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas may also occur.

• Routine hand washing with soap and warm water

• Avoid eating uncooked watercress and other aquatic plants of wild or unknown origin, especially in areas where the disease is more common

• Throuroughly cook vegetables grown in fields that might have been irrigated with contaminated water

• Travelers to areas with poor sanitation should avoid food and water that might be contaminated

Keep children with confirmed fascioliasis out of school or childcare until they are diarrhea and fever-free. Find the rules for the exclusion of sick children from school and daycare in the Texas Administrative Code. See Rule 97.7 for schools and Rule 746.3603 for childcare.

Report fascioliasis within one week to the local or regional health department. You can also report it to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Branch (EAIDB). Call 800-252-8239 or 512-776-7676.

Healthcare providers and laboratories:

Submit reports using the EPI-2 Initial Provider Disease Report Form.

Investigation Guidance | Texas DSHS

Fascioliasis became a notifiable condition in Texas in 2016. Reports of fascioliasis cases have been rare.