| [ Summary ] |
Distribution of alveolar echinococcosis was limited only to the east edge of Hokkaido in Japan until the infection was found among foxes from various parts of the island in early 1980s. At the end of 1997, a total of 373 cases had been confirmed, since the first record was made in 1936, on a patient who had been a resident of Rebun Island. As in some European cities where this zoonosis is endemic, infected foxes seem to be expanding their territories into the urban area of Sapporo. New efforts, such as periodic distribution of bait pellets containing praziquantel should be taken into consideration to control parasite endemicity among foxes, in addition to controlling their population. |