In the Lutsk district of Volyn region, women were diagnosed with dirofilaryosis - a parasitic disease caused by round helminths of the genus Dirofilaria. The patient's eye surgically removed the helminth with a length of 14 centimeters. This is the second confirmed case of the disease in the region in 2025.
This was reported at the Volyn Regional Center for Control and Prevention of MOH Diseases.
According to doctors, the woman went for medical care for severe pain and formation on the eyelid. During surgery, doctors got a parasite from her eyelid, which was subsequently identified as a pathogen. Currently, the patient's condition is satisfactory.
The investigation showed that the woman did not travel outside the region and did not travel abroad. This testifies to local infection - the pathogen, most likely, passed the mosquito. According to epidemiologists, favorable climatic conditions and active migration of the population contribute to the spread of this disease.
What is known about dirofilariasis
The disease is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The main sources of infection for insects are animals: dogs, cats, foxes, wolves. A parasite person is a casual master. The incubation period can last from one month to two years.
Symptoms can be masked by other diseases: atheroma, cyst, fibroids, venous thrombosis, allergies. Usually there is a seal that gradually turns into a tumor. A characteristic feature is the feeling of stirring under the skin - helminth can move at a speed of up to 30 cm per day, changing localization.
The area of the eyes - eyelids, conjunctiva, eyeball is most commonly affected. The scalp, neck, arms and legs can also be affected. In the human body is usually parasitized only one individual, which grows slowly: up to 3 cm in 3 months, sometimes up to large sizes for 6-24 months.
The final diagnosis is made only after surgery and laboratory examination.
Prevention
At the Center for Disease Prevention advised:
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destroy mosquito breeding points: standing reservoirs, open water containers;
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spray green plantations with insecticides;
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protect the home with mosquito nets, use repellents, avoid staying outside without proper clothes in the evening;
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regularly dewormed pets and use protective collars;
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Do not try to remove the parasite yourself - this can cause infection.
In 2025, there were already two cases of dirofilary with local transmission in Lutsk and Kovel districts. In 2020-2024, nine cases of this disease were registered in the region, mainly in Lutsk district.
