Bilharziasis (Schistosomiasis)
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about bilharziasis.
What Is Bilharziasis?
Bilharziasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms, where these parasites lay eggs in the body’s organs, causing the accompanying symptoms of the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Bilharziasis?
- The symptoms of bilharziasis occur in stages, as thebody reacts differently to the eggs produced bythe worms. Symptoms may begin to appear as:
- Skin rashor itchiness.
- Fever and chills.
- Cough.
- Muscle pain may occur within one to two months of infection.
- The eggs typically migrate to the intestines, liver, or bladder, causing inflammation or scarring in the area.
After years of infection, damage to the liver, intestines, lungs, and bladder can occur, rarely reaching the brain or spinal cord, and could cause seizures, paralysis, or inflammation of the spinal cord.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Bilharziasis?
A person is at risk of contracting bilharziasis if they live or travel to areas with a high prevalence of the disease, through skin contact with freshwater from canals, rivers, streams, ponds, or lakes.
How Is Bilharziasis Diagnosed?:
- The doctor will take the patient’s medical history and conduct a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as necessary, such as:
- Stool sample examination.
- Urine sample examination.
Microscopic blood examination.
Typically, to achieve an accurate diagnosis, tests are conducted 6 to 8 weeks after exposure to contaminated water.
How Is Bilharziasis Treated?
Treatment is provided through various procedures, as necessary and may include:
Medications taken for a day or two to treat infections caused by all types of bilharziasis.
How Can Bilharziasis be Prevented?
- To prevent bilharziasis parasites, one should:
- Avoid swimming or wading in freshwater in countries where bilharziasis occurs.
- Drink safe water, as water directly from channels, lakes, rivers, streams, or springs may be contaminated with a variety of infectious organisms.
Boil water for one minute or filter it before drinking. Boiling water for at least one minute kills any harmful parasites, bacteria, or viruses.
What Are the Complications of Contracting Bilharziasis?
If bilharziasis is not treated, it can cause permanent damage to the affected organs.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Visit your doctor if you experience the aforementioned symptoms, travel to areas with bilharziasis, or are concerned about possible exposure to the parasites during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been in contact with a person infected with bilharziasis. Can I catch the disease?
No, bilharziasis does not spread through contact with people or the air. It spreads through contact with water contaminated with bilharziasis parasites.
I found out that the area I am traveling to has bilharziasis. Can I prevent it?
Yes, by God’s will, bilharziasis can be prevented by following the preventive guidelines correctly.
I have contracted bilharziasis, received treatment and am no longer infected. Am I protected from getting it again?
