A survey report--July 1993: cysticercosis in the Grand Dani Valley, Jayawijaya District, Irian Jaya Province, Indonesia.

A community survey was conducted in Gran Dani Valley, Jayawijaya District, Irian Jaya Province, Indonesia. A total of 537 adults were asked whether they experienced epilepsy, and were physically examined for cysticercosis cysts. Forty-eight percent experienced at least one attack of epilepsy. Men had attacks 2.5 times more often than woman. Cysticercosis cysts were found in 26.5% men having 4.6 times more cysts than women. The cysts were mostly found in the pectoral region. The survey showed a raise cysticercosis in the Highlands of Irian Jaya and is considered a public health problem. Treatment was not available, but improvement of personal and environmental hygiene would be important. Mass de-worming activity should be a part of routine public health service in the district.