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What is Schistosomiasis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection which occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. While schistosomiasis rarely causes death, it can cause illness and may lead to a variety of debilitating symptoms. People are at increased risk of developing bladder cancer when they have this disease. Cases of schistosomiasis are also highly treatable with a single course of medication.

People develop schistosomiasis when they are exposed to the parasite through contact with contaminated freshwater. This can include drinking from contaminated sources as well as swimming or washing in unclean water. Parasitic flukes enter through the skin, travel into the body, and mature into adults which can start to produce eggs. The symptoms of schistosomiasis are caused by immune reactions to the eggs, rather than reactions to the parasite itself.

People with schistosomiasis may be at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.
People with schistosomiasis may be at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.

In the early stages of infection, people can experience symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, fever, sores, and skin irritation. If the schistosomiasis is not treated, the patient will develop chronic illness. The liver and spleen can become enlarged, eggs may travel to the nervous system and cause symptoms like seizures, and internal organs are damaged.

Schistosomiasis may be treated with medication.
Schistosomiasis may be treated with medication.

A diagnosis of schistosomiasis is often accomplished simply by examination of the patient and a discussion of medical and travel history. People in areas where this infection is common who exhibit symptoms like bloody diarrhea may be assumed to have schistosomiasis. It is also possible to test the stool for eggs, as some of the eggs are expressed by the body.

Swimming in unclean water may cause schistosomiasis.
Swimming in unclean water may cause schistosomiasis.

Treatment involves administering medication to kill the parasite. Unfortunately for many people in areas where this disease is endemic, the medication can be expensive and difficult to obtain. After malaria, schistosomiasis is one of the most common parasitic infections in many regions of the world. Charitable organizations have promoted more ready availability of appropriate medications, along with steps for prevention.

Symptoms of schistosomiasis may include abdominal pain and nausea.
Symptoms of schistosomiasis may include abdominal pain and nausea.

This condition is also known as bilharzia, after the physician who first described it in the mid-1800s, or snail fever, after a common host of the parasitic flukes which cause it. People can reduce their risk of contracting schistosomiasis by avoiding sources of contamination. Drinking and bathing water should be boiled before use, and people should avoid swimming in freshwater if they can. These measures are usually more feasible for travelers passing through areas where the flukes are common than they are for residents. Long term control measures include developing clean reservoirs of water for communities to use.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • People with schistosomiasis may be at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.
      By: joshya
      People with schistosomiasis may be at an increased risk for developing bladder cancer.
    • Schistosomiasis may be treated with medication.
      By: maron
      Schistosomiasis may be treated with medication.
    • Swimming in unclean water may cause schistosomiasis.
      By: Rido
      Swimming in unclean water may cause schistosomiasis.
    • Symptoms of schistosomiasis may include abdominal pain and nausea.
      By: jinga80
      Symptoms of schistosomiasis may include abdominal pain and nausea.
    • Symptoms of schistosomiasis may include fatigue.
      By: milanmarkovic78
      Symptoms of schistosomiasis may include fatigue.
    • Fever is an early symptom of schistosomiasis.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Fever is an early symptom of schistosomiasis.