Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by a type of flatworm called Schistosoma. It is transmitted to people through contaminated fresh water, typically from rivers and lakes where snails infested with the Schistosoma parasites are found. People become infected when their skin comes into contact with water containing Schistosoma eggs. Schistosomiasis is one of the most serious parasitic diseases and is a major cause of illness and mortality in developing countries. Symptoms of schistosomiasis include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and urinary symptoms. It can also cause long-term problems such as liver and kidney damage, reproductive failure, and bladder cancer. Treatment consists of medications that kill the parasites, but prevention is the best approach and can be achieved by improving access to clean water and sanitation, and by proper hygiene practices.