Surveillance for taenia solium parasitic infection in Oregon

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by Taenia solium larvae, is not well characterized in Oregon. We conducted statewide surveillance from 2006–2009 to estimate NCC incidence and piloted household screening for tapeworm carriers. Review of hospital billing codes and medical charts identified 87 incident cases, corresponding to an annual incidence of 5.8 per 100,000 among Hispanics. In 22 household investigations, we detected two additional NCC cases but no active tapeworm infections. These findings indicate that T. solium infection is an important health concern in Oregon, and household-based investigations may help identify additional infections.