Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease that is mainly prevalent in the agricultural and pastoral areas of 350 counties in western China. It is referred to as "insect cancer" and roughly 50 million people are threatened with the disease.

Sources of infection for hydatidosis are dogs, wolves, foxes and other animals, and intermediate hosts include livestock, mice and other small mammals. Once infected, humans can't pass on the disease, so as long as targeted prevention and control work is carried out, it is completely preventable.

What measures should those who visit  the tourist attractions in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and other places take to protect against hydatidosis?

Firstly, when  entering an infected area, if you don't pay attention to hygiene you may get infected. Therefore, it is essential to first strengthen health awareness and pay attention to hygiene.

Secondly, as shallow water sources may be contaminated, when using water tourists should use running water and boiling water as far as possible.

Thirdly,  dogs are one of the major sources of infection for hydatidosis, as they  may be carrying parasite eggs on their body, therefore it is recommended to avoid close contact with them.  

Editor: Ana Wu