HYDATID CYST - OCCURRENCE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Hydatid cysts occur throughout the world and are occasionally seen in sheep-raising areas of the United States. The use of slaughter-houses and the sanitary disposal of the offal prevent this disease from being more widespread in this country. The disease may be more common in the United States than is realized, however, as indicated by eight cases reported from the San Joaquin Valley of California. With the increasing transportation of tourists, service personnel, and peace corps workers to and from underdeveloped areas of the world, we will probably see more of this disease in the future. It is therefore important to understand the varied clinical features of this parasitic disease. Since antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents are ineffective in the treatment of the hydatid form, surgical removal of the cyst is necessary. © 1969.