Bilharzia

What is bilharzia?

Bilharzia, or schistosomiasis, is caused by parasitic worms (cercariae) that enter your body when you come into contact with freshwater contaminated by infected snails. These worms can live in your body for years without noticeable symptoms but can damage the liver, intestines, and urinary system over time.

Myths about bilharzia?

• Bloody urine in young boys near riverbanks is normal. Nope! It could be a sign of bilharzia.
• If symptoms disappear, I’m cured. Not true! The disease can silently cause longterm damage, even leading to bladder cancer.

Symptoms of bilharzia?

• Early Stage: Many people feel nothing at first. However, after a few weeks, symptoms like fever, rash, and body aches may appear.
• Later Stage: If untreated, the worms settle in and cause: 
• Painful urination with blood (if the urinary system is affected).
• Diarrhea or constipation with blood in stool (if the intestines are affected).
• Liver damage, high blood pressure, and even bladder cancer in severe cases.

How do you get it?

When an infected person urinates or defecates in water, parasites hatch and infect snails. The parasites then swim freely, penetrating human skin upon contact, starting their journey inside the body.

Treatment?

• Bilharzia is treatable if caught early.
• There’s no vaccine, but medication like praziquantel effectively clears the infection.

Prevention?

• Avoid swimming in stagnant or slow-moving freshwater in high-risk areas.
• Boil or filter drinking water before use.
• Government interventions like snail control and mass drug administration help reduce cases.