County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
E-Mail:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

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Cysticercosis (cys·ti·cer·co·sis)
Click on the Image to View the Cysticercosis Life Cycle

Cysticercosis results from an infection with the larval form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. It is caused by ingestion of tapeworm eggs excreted in human feces. The larvae that hatch from the eggs are called cysticerci and they may invade any organ. The most serious manifestation is neurocysticercosis, infection in the central nervous system, including the brain, meninges, spinal column, and eye. Tapeworm infection is caused by consuming raw or undercooked meat, usually pork, infested with viable larvae.

• Los Angeles County: Annual Morbidity Report 2000
  
  
• ACDC: A Manual of Departmental Rules, Regulations and Control Procedures
• LAC Report Form: Cysticercosis Investigation Form (T-378)
• LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases
• ACDC: Food and Water Safety Page

Additional Resources

• Questions & Answers from DPH Nursing
• CDC: Fact Sheet
• CDC: Deaths from Cysticercosis, United States (2/24/2007)
• CA DHS: What are taeniasis and cysticercosis?
• WHO: Taeniasis/Cysticercosis