Veterinarian warns against seemingly harmless activity with your dog — after massive parasite was found in woman’s pelvis

New York Post - May 7th, 2025

Doctors successfully treated a 26-year-old pregnant woman in Tunisia after discovering a massive cyst in her pelvis caused by a hydatid cyst, a growth resulting from a tapeworm infection from dog feces. The cyst was removed without harming the 20-week-old fetus. The case has brought attention to the rare but serious risk of Echinococcus granulosus infection, which is more common in regions where dogs and livestock interact closely with humans. Dr. Aimee Warner advises against allowing dogs to lick human faces and recommends regular deworming and proper hygiene to prevent such infections.

The significance of this case extends beyond Tunisia, as the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm is increasingly reported in Europe, the US, and Canada, especially in rural areas. The infection can cause severe liver damage and is transmitted when humans accidentally ingest tapeworm eggs from contaminated dog feces. Historical cases highlight the variety of symptoms and complications, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures in pet care. This story underscores the need for awareness and education on zoonotic diseases to mitigate health risks associated with pet ownership.

Tunisia Hydatid Cyst Tapeworm Infection Echinococcus Granulosus Dog Feces Dr. Aimee Warner Pet Hygiene Zoonotic Diseases

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively raises awareness about the potential health risks associated with *Echinococcus* infections, particularly in relation to pet ownership. It provides valuable preventative advice from a veterinary expert, making it relevant to a broad audience concerned with health and safety. The story is clear and engaging, with a well-structured narrative that balances factual information with practical guidance. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and more diverse expert perspectives to enhance its credibility and comprehensiveness. While it addresses a topic of public interest, its impact is primarily on individual behavior rather than broader societal or policy change. Overall, the article is informative and accessible, but could be strengthened by additional context and source verification.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims about a medical case involving a hydatid cyst and its potential causes. The claim that the cyst was twice the size of a tennis ball and located in the pelvis of a pregnant woman is specific but lacks direct source verification. The explanation of hydatid disease transmission through dog feces aligns with existing scientific understanding, as humans can indeed become infected by ingesting *Echinococcus* eggs present in dog feces. The story accurately describes prevention measures, such as keeping dogs away from raw meat and regular deworming, which are consistent with expert recommendations. However, the claim about the risk of transmission through face licking, while plausible, is noted as rare, and the story could benefit from more context on the likelihood of such occurrences.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the medical aspect of the hydatid cyst case and the associated risks of *Echinococcus* transmission. It provides a single perspective from Dr. Aimee Warner, who offers preventative advice. While this expert opinion is valuable, the article could be more balanced by including viewpoints from other medical professionals or epidemiologists to provide a broader understanding of the disease's prevalence and risk factors. Additionally, perspectives from public health officials or patients who have experienced similar conditions could offer more comprehensive insights.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a logical flow from the case description to expert advice. The language is straightforward, making complex medical information accessible to a general audience. The use of specific examples, such as other rare cases of tapeworm infections, helps to illustrate the potential severity of the condition. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of medical terms, such as 'hydatid cyst,' to enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Source quality

The article references Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinarian, which lends some authority to the claims about animal-related transmission risks. However, the story lacks citations from primary medical sources or studies that directly back the specific case details or the general claims about hydatid disease. Including references to peer-reviewed research or statements from medical institutions would enhance the credibility and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the hydatid cyst case and the general risks associated with *Echinococcus* infection. However, it does not disclose the methodology or sources for the specific case details, such as the size of the cyst or the patient's condition. The lack of information about the case study's publication or the involved medical institutions reduces transparency. More explicit disclosure of how the information was obtained and any potential conflicts of interest, especially given the involvement of a pet insurance company, would improve transparency.