Schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
Overview
Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is an infection caused by tiny worms that live in ponds, lakes and rivers. It's not found in the UK, but there's a risk of catching it in some parts of the world.
Symptoms
Schistosomiasis often does not cause any symptoms at all, or may only cause symptoms weeks, months or years after infection. If you do get symptoms of schistosomiasis, they include: an itchy, bumpy rash or prickly, stinging feeling on skin that was in the water ("swimmer's itch")a high temperature (fever)headaches, tummy ache, muscle aches and joint painfeeling tireda coughdiarrhoea – this may have blood in itblood in your peeblisters, sores or bleeding from your vagina, or pain when having sex If you get a rash, it usually appears within a few days of having been in the water. The other symptoms can start at any time after infection, but usually happen 2 to 12 weeks later.
Treatment
Schistosomiasis is treated by taking tablets to kill the worms that cause the infection. You may also be given steroid medicine to reduce the side effects of your body fighting the infection. You normally will only need to be treated once, but you may be given more medicine if your symptoms do not get better.
Prevention
There's no vaccine for schistosomiasis, but there are things you can do to help avoid it if you're travelling to an area where there's a risk of getting it. only drink bottled, filtered or cooled boiled water – the worms that cause schistosomiasis could burrow into your lips or mouth if you drink unclean water only drink bottled, filtered or cooled boiled water – the worms that cause schistosomiasis could burrow into your lips or mouth if you drink unclean water ask where you're staying if the water used for washing is safe – use cooled boiled water if you're not sure ask where you're staying if the water used for washing is safe – use cooled boiled water if you're not sure wear protective clothing (such as boots or waders, or long-sleeve shirts and gloves) if you need to enter fresh water wear protective clothing (such as boots or waders, or long-sleeve shirts and gloves) if you need to enter fresh water do not swim, walk, drink from or wash in lakes, rivers, ponds or other bodies of fresh water do not swim, walk, drink from or wash in lakes, rivers, ponds or other bodies of fresh water