Epidemiología de la hidatidosis humana en la IX Región de la Araucanía, Chile.: 1991-1998 Epidemiology of human hydatidosis in the IX Region of la Araucania, Chile 1991-1998

In the region of la Araucania, located in the south of Chile (3724'-3934' South lat.), the economy is based in cattle raising and agriculture. The cases of human hydatidosis, mortality and notification registered in la Araucania 1991-1998 are reviewed. The rate for hydatid disease is 38.5 per 100,000 population. Liver (47.1%) and lung (40.7%) were the most affected viscera. Days in hospital, 11-20 the 56.1%. Disease in female is 51.1%. The mortality rate is 0.8 per 100,000, the most frecuently affected county is Imperial. The age group 15-44 years is the most affected. The notification rate is 8.74 per 100,000 populaion. The rate for hydatid disease is higher than the rate of notification, then necessarily there exist a subnotification. We think that it is necessary to investigate the serological prevalence of hydatidosis in the population of the IX Region Araucania.