Echo 7 was isolated from a fatal case and has been associated with outbreaks involving central nervous system disease in the past. While echo 7 is a relatively rare strain, it has resulted in severe and fatal cases. This is the first time that echo 7 has been identified in Malaysia. The rise in cases has been attributed to constant flooding and poor sanitation. Health officials plan to destroy all breeding centers of the parasite and initiate an intensive information campaign to promote proper sanitation.
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by the parasitic worm schistosoma.
Infection occurs as a result of contact with contaminated fresh water in which snails that carry the schistosomes live. Fresh water becomes contaminated by Schistosoma eggs when infected people urinate or defecate in the water. Normal sterilization protocols reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of transmission, as the agent that causes the disease is resistant to standard sterilization procedures. CJD leads to progressive dementia and loss of physical functions and inevitably results in death. The only proven way to contract the disease is through iatrogenic transmission and an autopsy is required for a positive diagnosis.