Amebiasis

Clear→ stable

Gastrointestinal

Current NYS Status

213 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~994. All cases in NYS are travel-associated; no local mosquito transmission.

2024 statewide cases: 213

Source: NYSDOH Annual Communicable Disease Report 2024 + 5-yr baseline

What is it?

Amebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal parasite. NYS had 213 cases in 2024. While most infections cause no symptoms, E. histolytica can invade the intestinal wall and liver, causing serious complications. Most US cases occur in travelers returning from developing countries and immigrants from endemic regions.

How it spreads

Spreads through swallowing food or water contaminated with E. histolytica cysts, and through the fecal-oral route during close personal contact. Common in areas with poor sanitation.

Symptoms

Most infections (about 90%) cause no symptoms. Symptomatic cases involve stomach pain, cramping, and loose stools. Invasive disease causes severe bloody diarrhea (amebic dysentery), fever, and in some cases liver abscess — right-sided abdominal pain and fever weeks to months after initial infection.

Who is at risk?

Travelers to tropical and subtropical developing countries, recent immigrants, men who have sex with men, and people in institutions with poor sanitation.

What you can do

🛡When traveling to developing countries, drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice, raw fruits, and vegetables unless you peel them yourself

🛡Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating

⚕️See a provider for persistent diarrhea or abdominal pain after international travel — testing and treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole is effective

Tier B — Annual report tracking

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.

Seasonality: year round

This information is for general public health awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.