Bilharziasis, Snail fever, Schistosomiasis
The blood fluke causes schistosomiasis from the family of flukes Scistosoatidae. They currently infect more than 200 mill people, and the number of people infected increases. The infection is mainly transmitted by contact with contaminated water. Infective free-swimming larval forms (cercariae) penetrate directly through the skin.
The fluke lives in the blood vessels in humans. Human urine and faeces contaminate fresh water. The eggs infect snails in the water and multiply in the snail. The schistosoma parasite released from the snail to the water can penetrate the skin in humans, who are swimming in the water. The adult worms invade the blood vessels and starts a new generation.
Manifestations: In a few days the patient develops:
- Skin rash
- Itching (known as swimmers itching)
In one to two month flu symptoms with:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Cough
Diagnosis and treatment: Definitive diagnosis depends on finding eggs in the faeces. Treatment is available.
Prevent bilharziasis/snail fever:
- Don’t swim in infected water
- For washing or bathing use water, which have been warmed to 50 C or more for at least 5 minutes or water chemical disinfected.
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