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
Feb 1, 2023 · Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Estimates show that ...
People also ask
What is the life expectancy of a person with schistosomiasis?
Results. The estimated LE for advanced schistosomiasis patients aged 15–19 was 49.51 years (48.86 years for males and 51.07 years for females), which was 20.14 years lower compared with general population (69.65 years), and the LE gap between patients and general population decreased with age.
How do humans become infected with Schistosoma?
People become infected when larval forms of the parasite – released by freshwater snails – penetrate the skin during contact with infested water. Transmission occurs when people suffering from schistosomiasis contaminate freshwater sources with faeces or urine containing parasite eggs, which hatch in water.
Feb 1, 2023
What kills Schistosoma?
Praziquantel is effective at treating infections with all major Schistosoma species. The timing of treatment is important since praziquantel is most effective against the adult worm and requires the presence of a mature antibody response to the parasite.
Is schistosomiasis reversible?
In children, schistosomiasis can cause anaemia, stunting and a reduced ability to learn, although the effects are usually reversible with treatment. Praziquantel is the recommended treatment against all forms of schistosomiasis.
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Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasite that develops in snails, lives in water and enters humans through your skin. It can be cured.
Jun 17, 2024 · Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. More than 200 million people worldwide are infected.
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease historically known as bilharzia caused by the trematode of the genus Schistosoma.
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions.
Mar 8, 2023 · Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. After malaria and intestinal ...