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Supporting a better clinical management of neurocysticercosis

Epilepsy is one of the most common clinical signs in patients with neurocysticercosis (NCC). WHO recognizes that epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases, and that people with epilepsy frequently suffer stigmatization and discrimination. WHO urges the Member States to support the establishment and implementation of strategies for the management of epilepsy, and promote actions to prevent the causes of epilepsy (Resolution WHA 68.20 of 2015).

In this context, clinical management of patients with NCC to prevent and manage epilepsy is an essential component, and the countries are requesting clear guidance to improve case detection and management of neurocysticercosis.

WHO has conducted a landscape analysis on the management of neurocysticercosis with an emphasis on low-and middle income countries, has completed a systematic review on the topic, and is now in the last steps of completing and finalising the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for Taenia solium NCC.


 

 

30%

Neurocysticercosis is estimated to cause 30% of all epilepsy cases in T. solium endemic countries

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2.8 million

DALYs

According to WHO FERG, T. solium is a leading cause of deaths from food-borne diseases.

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One Health

Cross-sectorial collaboration is key to successfully control T. solium infections.

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Relevant publications

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Implementing Taenia solium control programmes in countries: monitoring and evaluation framework
This document aims to provide best practice on monitoring and evaluation of Taenia solium, as part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) effort to develop...
Mapping protocol for Taenia solium: identification of endemic and high-risk areas

The mapping tool for Taenia solium has three companion elements: this document, the Mapping Protocol; an Excel document, the Risk Classification Tool;...

Early detection and management of neurological serious adverse events in relation to the administration of anthelminthic medicines to people with asymptomatic neurocysticercosis

Preventive anthelminthic chemotherapy programmes involving the administration of praziquantel or albendazole are used to control various neglected parasitic...

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Dr. Bernadette Abela-Ridder
Technical officer