In February, a resident of Rivne region sought medical attention due to severe itching and pain in the abdominal area, which developed after a visit to the sauna. Doctors discovered a tumor in the man, which upon incision contained fragments of an 8-centimeter long helminth. This marks the first case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in 2025.
As reported on February 21 by the Rivne Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a 34-year-old resident of Zarichne noticed a tumor on his abdomen back in the summer of 2024. Since it did not cause him any discomfort, he did not immediately seek medical help.
“Last week, after bathing, the man experienced intense itching in the affected area, which increased in size and turned red. Following a doctor's visit, examination, and tumor removal, fragments of a parasite approximately 8 cm in total length were identified inside, which was recognized as a female Dirofilaria repens,” the report stated.
The medical facility noted that this is the first recorded case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in a human in Rivne region in 2025. Currently, the patient is in satisfactory condition.
Overall, dirofilariasis has been registered in Rivne region since 2005. During this time, 51 cases of the disease have been reported. The parasite is transmitted through mosquito bites. Adult helminths reside beneath the skin or in the mucous membranes in any part of the body. In the area where the helminth settles, a person may experience burning sensations, itching, and a small bump the size of a grain may appear. The parasite can migrate up to 30 cm per day.