Two Cases of Neurocysticercosis in Indigenous Papuans: Diagnostic and Public Health Challenges

BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) remains a neglected but preventable parasitic infection that is endemic in many low- and middle-income countries where pigs are raised. Despite Indonesia being endemic for the causative agent of NCC (Taenia solium), documentation of NCC in Papua is limited. CASE REPORT We describe 2 computed tomography (CT)-confirmed cases of NCC diagnosed at Wamena Regional General Hospital in Highland Papua, Indonesia. The first case involved an 11-year-old girl presenting with visual hallucinations and blindness. The second case was a 20-year-old man presenting with psychiatric symptoms, seizures, and aphasia. Both patients were treated with anti-epileptic and anti-inflammatory medications, but follow-up was limited. CONCLUSIONS These 2 cases demonstrate the occurrence of rare clinical manifestations of NCC, including blindness, visual hallucinations, and psychiatric symptoms, in rural Indigenous Papuans. There is a need to strengthen imaging capacity and standardize clinical protocols to address the burden of NCC in Papua.