Schistosomiasis disease, also known as
bilharzia, snail fever, and Katayama fever, is a disease caused by parasitic
flatworms of the Schistosoma type. It is transmitted by contact with
contaminated fresh water (lakes and ponds, rivers, dams) inhabited by snails
carrying the parasite. Swimming, bathing, fishing and even domestic chores such
as laundry and herding livestock can put people at risk of contracting the
disease.
The disease is especially common
among children in developing countries as they are more likely to play in
contaminated water. Other high risk groups include farmers, fishermen, and
people using unclean water during daily living.
Larvae emerge from the snails and
swim in the water until they come into contact with an individual and penetrate
the skin. Once inside the body, the larvae develop into male and female worms
which pair up and live together in the blood vessels for years. Female worms
release thousands of eggs which are passed out of the body in the urine and faeces.
If people urinate or defecate in bodies of freshwater, the eggs migrate to
snails where they eventually hatch and begin the cycle again.
Some Schistosoma eggs, however,
remain trapped in the body and migrate to specific organs (depending on the
type of parasite) where they can inflict major damage. Urinary schistosomiasis
causes scarring and tearing of the bladder and kidneys, and can lead to bladder
cancer. Intestinal schistosomiasis develops slowly, causing abdominal bleeding;
enlargement of the liver, lungs and spleen; and damage to the intestines. A
major indicator of the disease is blood in the urine and/or faeces. In those
who have been infected a long time, liver damage, kidney failure, infertility,
or bladder cancer may occur. In children, it may cause poor growth and learning
difficulty.
Here are a few facts about the
disease:
Fact 1: More people need treatment for schistosomiasis
At least 258 million people are
estimated to have required treatment for schistosomiasis in 2014. While the
actual reported number of people treated in 2014 was only 61.6 million.
Fact 2: Infection occurs from exposure to infested freshwater
People can become infected during
routine agricultural, domestic, occupational and recreational activities which
expose them to infested freshwater sources.
Fact 3: Larval forms of schistosomiasis are released by snails
People become infected when
larval forms of the parasite - released by freshwater snails - penetrate the skin
during contact with infested water.
Fact 4: Schistosomiasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas
Schistosomiasis is especially
prevalent in poor communities with unsafe drinking-water sources and inadequate
sanitation. It is estimated that at least 90% of those requiring treatment for
schistosomiasis live in Africa.
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Fact 5: Increased population movement is introducing the disease to new
areas
Increased migration to urban
areas and population movements are introducing schistosomiasis to new areas.
Increasing population size and the corresponding needs for power and water
often result in development schemes and environmental modification, such as construction
of dams, that facilitate transmission.
Fact 6: The economic and health effects of schistosomiasis are
considerable
In children, schistosomiasis
causes anaemia, stunted growth and reduced ability to learn, although its
effects are usually reversible with treatment. Chronic schistosomiasis can
affect people’s ability to work and, in some cases, result in death.
Fact 7: Urine and stool samples can detect schistosomiasis
Urogenital schistosomiasis can be
easily detected through the presence of blood in urine (haematuria). Intestinal
forms of schistosomiasis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and blood in the
stool, are diagnosed through examination of stool specimens.
Fact 8: Praziquantel can be used to treat schistosomiasis
Control of schistosomiasis is
based on large- scale treatment with praziquantel of at-risk populations. WHO
recommends treatment with praziquantel against all forms of schistosomiasis. The
medicine is effective, safe and is distributed free during large-scale treatment
campaigns.
Fact 9: WHO has developed treatment methods and recommendations
WHO has also developed methods
and recommendations to reach communities and simplify large-scale preventive
treatment with praziquantel.
Fact 10: WHO advocates for increased access to praziquantel and
resources for implementation
WHO has catalysed collaboration
between ministries of health, development agencies, the pharmaceutical sector,
non-profit organizations and communities to provide resources and medicines for
schistosomiasis control. Other methods of schistosomiasis control include wider
access to safe water, improved sanitation, hygiene education and snail control.
#STAYHEALTHY
SOURCE: WHO Media Centre
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