185116 Cysticercosis Trends in Los Angeles County, 1988 to 2007

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Curtis Croker, MPH , Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Public Health Dept., Los Angeles, CA
Roshan Reporter, MD MPH , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Soodtida Tangpraphaphorn, MPH , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Megan Jones, MPH (c) , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Leticia Martinez, BSN MPA PHN , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Rita Bagby, RN, MSN, PHN , Acute Communicable Disease Control Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA
Jennifer Beyer, MPH , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Laurene Mascola, MD, MPH , Acute Communicable Disease Control Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA
BACKGROUND: Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Taenia solium found worldwide. Thirty-two percent of cysticercosis mortality reported nationally (1990-2002, N=221) occurs in Los Angeles County (LAC).

METHODS: A review of recently reported LAC cases, as well as trends in reported cases, total hospitalizations, and mortality was performed. Demographics and symptoms of reported cases (2003-2007) were reviewed. Cysticercosis incidence trends for reported cases (1988-2007), hospitalized cases (1991-2005), and mortality (1988-2004) were calculated.

RESULTS: Recently reported cases (2003-07) are primarily young (mean age 35 years), Latino/a (87%), with symptoms that include seizures (46%), headaches (70%) and eye disorders (28%). The reported case incidence rate has decreased (-3.4% per year on average, R2=0.8) since 1988, as well did total hospitalizations (-4.9% per year, R2=0.7) and mortality (-0.4%, R2=0.4).

CONCLUSION: Cysticercosis mainly affects young adult Latinos in Los Angeles County. Trends in the incidence of reported cases, total hospitalizations, and mortality, indicates a decrease in cysticercosis morbidity in the County in recent years.

Learning Objectives:
1.List common symptoms and demographics of recently reported cases occurring in Los Angeles County. 2.Describe recent trends in reported and hospitalized cysticercosis cases as well as trends in mortality. 3.Explain the utility of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s unique follow up program to identify and treat Taenia solium tapeworm carriers.

Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have a Masters in Public Health
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Infectious Disease Epidemiology Poster Session
See more of: Epidemiology