Sarcocystosis in Malaysia (Tioman Island)

Sarcocystosis infection is again being reported in travellers returning from Tioman Island in Malaysia. Six German travellers were diagnosed with the infection in May 2014, having been on Tioman Island in March. Two previous outbreaks of sarcocystosis have been reported in European travellers, the first in 2011, with another in 2012. During these outbreaks around 100 travellers returning to various European countries from the island were affected.

The current report of sarcocystosis infections is earlier than expected, previously the cases were reported during the summer months. It is thought that this may indicate an upcoming new outbreak.

(Via Eurosurveillance - accessed 11/06/14)

Sarcocystis is a zoonotic disease, rare in humans, so this represents a major outbreak. Humans acquire the disease by eating undercooked meat containing viable sarcocysts or by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with animal faeces.

Patients may present with fever and muscle pain while some have also experienced arthralgia, muscle weakness, headache, cough, and diarrhoea.

Advice for Travellers

• Ensure that all meat is very well cooked. Freezing meat to ≤ -5C also kills cysts.
• Strict food and water hygiene methods should be adhered to. Cysts can be destroyed by boiling.

Further information on sarcocystosis.