Tibet plan calls for control of parasitic worms

A parasitic disease plaguing many parts of the Tibet autonomous region will be controlled by the end of 2020, under a plan released by the regional government.

The disease - echinococcosis - is caused by a type of tiny tapeworm and infects people and animals such as dogs and foxes. It damages major organs such as the liver, lungs and brain and can be fatal.

It is found throughout Tibet, with about 49,900 people infected, accounting for 1.66 percent of the population, the highest rate in China, according to a survey by the National Health and Family Planning Commission.