Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that is caused by the Schistosoma specieces that are found in freshwater snails. Schistosomiasis is found in southern and sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martiique, Saint Lucia, areas of the Nile River valley including Egypt, Indonesia, parts of China, Cambodia, Laos, and parts of Central and West Africa.
Symptoms include rahs, fever, chills, cough and muscle aches. Chonic schistosomiasis infections can lead to abdominal pain, enlarged liver, blood in the stool or urine and issues passing urine. Chronic infections als increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Transmission
Transmission occurs when the larvae penertrated the skin.
Incubation period can range from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the species.
Lab Tests & Specimen Info
Test*
|
Specimen
|
Microscopic
examination |
Stool,
Urine |
Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings.
Prevention for Patients
Avoid swimming in freshwater in countries that are endemic for schistosomiasis.
Avoid swimming in freshwater in countries that are endemic for schistosomiasis.
Drink safe water
- Boil water for 1 minute
- Filter water
- Iodine treatment alone will not guarantee that the water is safe
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