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Schistosomiasis


About this topic


Schistosomiasis is a type of infection. It is caused by a kind of worm. The worm grows inside of a fresh water snail. These snails live and spread the worms in rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and canals. The worms can get into your skin when you come in contact with the infected water. This may happen when you swim, take a bath, wash, or wade in the water. ‚  
Signs may start a few days after you get the infection. You may have a rash and your skin may itch. After a couple of months, you may have more signs. You may have fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches. Without treatment, the infection may spread into the other parts of your body. ‚  


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What are the causes?


This illness is caused by tiny worms called Schistosoma. They lay eggs in your body which also will develop into worms. It is usually the egg stage that causes the itching. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


This illness is more common in places with poor sanitation. The risk is higher in places where there is a water shortage and poor water quality. It is also more common in a poor setting or crowded area. This illness is found more often in certain parts of the world. It is more common in tropical or subtropical zones. This illness is not often found in the United States. If you travel to areas where the fresh water is contaminated, you can become sick. ‚  

What are the main signs?


  • Rash and itchy skin
  • Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher and chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Bloody or loose stools
  • Cough

If the infection is not treated, the worms will stay in your body. They may cause more signs that depend on where the worms are. ‚  
  • Belly problems may include pain, throwing up, and swelling of your bowels. You may also feel very tired.
  • Urinary problems may include pain when passing urine, blood in your urine, or needing to go to the bathroom more often.
  • Heart and lung problems may include a cough or coughing up blood. You may also have problems wheezing or with shortness of breath.
  • Nervous system problems may include seizures, headache, and dizziness. You may also have muscle weakness or numbness and back pain.
  • Problems with female genitals may include bleeding after sex or irregular periods. You may also have pelvic pain or sores on your genitals.

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may check for swollen organs or rash. The doctor will feel your belly and ask if it hurts. You may need to have a special exam of your genitals to look for sores and signs of infection. Your doctor may also ask if you have traveled lately and have been exposed to fresh water sources. The doctor may order tests like: ‚  
  • Blood tests
  • Stool and urine test
  • Biopsy
  • Ultrasound
  • Chest x-ray
  • Colonoscopy
  • Cystoscopy

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor will give you drugs to kill the infection. You may also need drugs to ease your signs. Early care can help lessen the chance of more serious problems. ‚  

Are there other health problems to treat?


  • Fluid loss
  • Kidney and bladder problems
  • Blood infections
  • Seizures
  • Liver damage

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight the infection
  • Lower fever
  • Help treat rashes

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Practice proper sanitation and disposal of stool.
  • Wear proper protective clothing when working with soil. Wear hand gloves and shoes when farming or working with soil. Also, take extra care when working around rivers, streams, lakes, and canals.
  • Be careful when swimming.
    • Avoid swallowing water while swimming, boating, or doing recreational water activities.
    • Avoid swimming, bathing, or wading in fresh water where infections have spread. Swim only in chlorinated pools or in the ocean.
    • If you come in contact with the infected water, dry yourself and rub with disinfectant as soon as you get out from the water. Drying with a towel will not prevent this illness.
  • Be careful when eating.
    • If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F (60 ‚ °C) for at least 30 minutes.
  • Follow good hygiene habits.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
      • After using the bathroom or changing diapers
      • Before eating
      • Before cooking
      • After working in the dirt
    • Bath water should be heated to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. Water held in a storage tank for at least 1 to 2 days should be safe for bathing.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/schistosomiasis/gen_info/faqs.html ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/schistosomiasis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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