Occurrence of human sparganosis in Kerala.

Human sparganosis is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the larval stages of Spirometra sp. A seven cm worm recovered from a painful swelling in the right inguinal region of a 9 year old boy from Kunnamkulam in Thrissur District, Kerala was identified as sparganum based on morphology. This is the first case report of the disease from Kerala state. Possible mode of infection and control measures are suggested. Increased public awareness about risks associated with drinking contaminated water is important to prevent further incidence in the locality.