About Schistosoma

Commonly known as the 'swimmers rach', Schistosoma can be found in many forms. Schistosoma is not usually known for being a very serious parasite but is actually something you should consult a doctor about within first signs of symptoms.

Treatments

Symptoms

First signs of sympotoms are usual a rash or an uncontrolable iche within the first few days. Within two months you experience chills, cough, diarrhea, fatigue, fever and muscle aches can occur. Usually however during the first few weeks schistosomiasis is asymptomatic. The disease is worse for children who can develop anemia, learning difficulties and malnutrition. After years of infection eggs inflame organs such as the liver, bladder and lungs. If eggs end up in the brain or spinal cord, they can cause paralysis, seizures or inflammation of the spinal cord.

Schistosomiasis is treated with praziquantel according to the advice of your health care provider. For infections caused by S. mansoni oxamniquine can be used in areas where praziquantel is less effective.

Prevention

Avoid freshwater lakes, rivers or streams in areas where schistosomiasis occurs. Drying your skin with a towel immediately after swimming might sweep some larval blood flukes away. Swimming in the salty ocean and in chlorinated swimming pools is quite safe. Human feces should be prevented of getting into water to prevent snails from getting infected. In addition to humans Schistosoma species infect many animals such as cats, dogs, horses, pigs, rodents and goats.