Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Hydatid diseaseUpdated: 2020-03-07OverviewEchinococcosis is spread by contact with animal feces contaminated with tapeworm eggs. Sources include contaminated food, water and animal fur. SymptomsCysts containing tapeworm larvae may grow in the body for years before symptoms appear. When cysts become large, they may cause nausea, weakness, coughing, and belly or chest pain. TreatmentsTreatment may include surgery, removal of fluid from the cysts and medication. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use