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bil·har·zi·a·sis
bil·har·zi·a·sis/ˌbilˌhärˈzīəsəs/
noun
another term for bilharzia (the disease).
Schistosomiasis
Also called: bilharzia
A disease caused by infection with freshwater parasitic worms in certain tropical and subtropical countries.
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging always required
- Spreads through contaminated food or water
The parasite can be found in subsaharan Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. The freshwater becomes contaminated from infected animal or human urine or feces. The parasites penetrate human skin to enter the bloodstream and migrate to the liver, intestines, and other organs.
A rash, itchy skin, fever, chills, cough, headache, belly pain, joint pain, and muscle aches are symptoms.
A medication taken for one to two days can clear the infection.
Very rare: Fewer than 20,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more