Bilharzia and schistosomiasis: what is it, how dangerous is it, how do you get it, and should you vaccinate?

What is bilharzia or schistosomiasis?

• Schistosomiasis is an infection caused by the parasitic worm schistosoma.
• Schistosomiasis was formerly known as bilharzia or snail fever.
• If untreated, schistosomiasis can be fatal due to damage to various organs.
• The schistosoma flatworm is a parasite that lives in freshwater and enters the body through the skin.

Where does bilharzia or schistosomiasis occur?

• Although the parasitic flatworm that causes schistosomiasis occurs in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, the risk of infection is by far the greatest in Africa.
• The number of infections is particularly high in freshwater in tropical Africa.

What are the symptoms of bilharzia or schistosomiasis?

• Ingress into the skin itself usually goes unnoticed; travelers' skin often reacts within a day with an itchy or red rash.
• Only after a few weeks do more symptoms usually develop, such as fever, muscle aches, rash, shortness of breath, or an irritating cough.
• When the parasites reach your bloodstream after two to eight weeks, an acute fever (Katayama fever) can occur as your body's immune response.
• The list of nasty conditions grows rapidly if you don't intervene after the first round of symptoms. Depending on the location of the parasites, various organs, your nervous system, and your brain are affected.

What can you do to prevent bilharzia or schistosomiasis abroad?

• Avoid contact with fresh surface water in areas where schistosomiasis is prevalent: do not swim or paddle. Make sure your shower water isn't pumped from open water.
• Have you taken a dip? Dry off quickly to reduce the risk of infection.
• The parasites cannot survive in chlorinated swimming pools.
• There is no vaccine that can prevent schistosomiasis.

Can bilharzia or schistosomiasis be cured?

• Yes, there are excellent treatments available for this parasite.
• Medications only work on adult worms, so taking medication immediately after infection is pointless.