According to the Taiwan CDC surveillance data, a total of five cluster amebiasis cases have been detected this year. Among them, three occurred in populous institutions, and the other two cases are men who have sex with men (MSM). Based on the epidemiologic investigation of these two cluster amebiasis cases in MSM, the two men both had unsafe sex before becoming ill. Therefore, Taiwan CDC would like to urge to MSM to practice safe sex.
Amebiasis is a disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica and mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The primary way of transmission is through ingestion of cysts from water, fruits and raw vegetables contaminated by feces. Additionally, transmission may also occur by oral/anal contact. Therefore, unsafe sex behavior will further increase the risk of infection.
From 2006 to 2009, the numbers of indigenous cases suspected in MSM were respectively 12, 23, 26, 30, constituting 18%, 34%, 18%, 25% of the total numbers of indigenous cases. Thus, Taiwan CDC strongly urges that MSM must use condom throughout the entire sex act, particularly when having oral and anal sex.
Amebiasis may remain latent for 8 to 10 days or even up to several months, but the latent period is usually 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms include mild to chronic diarrhea, fecal mucus and blood, abdominal cramping, tenesmus, intermittent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever, and so on. If you have any suspicious symptoms such diarrhea, fecal mucus and blood, and intermittent diarrhea, please seek medical attention immediately and receive treatment in order to ensure the health of your friends and family.