DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Back to Globe
Infectious Disease

Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)

HIGH SEVERITY

A tropical parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater. Affects over 240 million people worldwide, primarily in Africa. Second most devastating parasitic disease after malaria.

Global Affected

240.0M

Countries

71

Symptoms

Itchy skin (swimmer's itch) at penetration
Fever
Chills
Cough
Muscle aches
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Blood in urine or stool
Liver enlargement
Spleen enlargement
Bladder inflammation
Genital lesions
Cancer risk (chronic infection)

Treatment Options

Praziquantel (drug of choice)
Corticosteroids for acute reaction
Supportive care
Antihistamines for itching
Antibiotics for secondary infections
Surgical treatment for complications
Bladder cancer treatment if needed
Liver function support
Blood transfusion if severe anemia

Risk Factors

1Contact with contaminated freshwater
2Living in endemic areas
3Agricultural work (rice farming)
4Fishing activities
5Poor sanitation
6Lack of safe water access
7Children playing in water
8Irrigation projects

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Stool examination for ova
  • 2Urine examination for ova
  • 3Serological blood tests
  • 4Antigen detection tests
  • 5Tissue biopsy (rectal/bladder)
  • 6Imaging (ultrasound for liver)
  • 7Cystoscopy for bladder involvement

Prognosis

Excellent with early treatment. Chronic infection can lead to liver fibrosis, kidney damage, bladder cancer, and infertility. Death can occur from complications in heavy infections. Treatment reverses many effects if given before permanent organ damage occurs.

Prevention

  • Avoid contact with contaminated freshwater
  • Mass drug administration programs
  • Proper sanitation facilities
  • Safe water supplies
  • Snail control programs
  • Health education
  • Protective footwear
  • Improved wastewater treatment

Research Status

Praziquantel is effective treatment. Mass drug administration programs in endemic areas. Vaccine development ongoing. Improved sanitation and water access crucial. Snail control (intermediate host). Early treatment prevents chronic complications.

Affected Countries

EgyptSudanSSEthiopiaKenyaTanzaniaUgandaRWBIDR CongoCGGAGQCMNigeriaBJTGGhanaCILRSLGNGWSenegalGMMaliBFNETDCFAOZambiaMalawiMozambiqueZimbabweBWNASouth AfricaSZLSMGMUSCKMYTREMGChinaPhilippinesIndonesiaVietnamLAKHMMThailandMalaysiaBrazilVenezuelaSRGYDMLCVCGDAGBBTTDominican RepublicHaitiJMPR

Sources

  • https://www.who.int/health-topics/schistosomiasis
  • https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/schistosomiasis
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schistosomiasis

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.