About

It is one of the most common tropical diseases and affects millions of people worldwide, primarily in developing countries with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation. The parasites responsible for schistosomiasis live in freshwater snails, which act as an intermediate host. When individuals come into contact with contaminated water, the larvae of the parasite penetrate their skin and travel to various organs, such as the liver, intestines, or bladder, where they mature and reproduce. The symptoms of schistosomiasis vary depending on the stage of infection and the organs affected. Common symptoms include fever, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the urine or stool. Long-term infection can lead to severe complications such as liver and spleen enlargement, bladder damage, kidney failure, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Prevention and control of schistosomiasis primarily involve improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as the treatment of infected individuals with antiparasitic drugs. Efforts are also being made to control the snail population to reduce the transmission of the disease. The history, epidemiology, and transmission of schistosomiasis are discussed in the Wikipedia page, along with information about the different species of Schistosoma and the regions most affected by the disease. Additionally, it provides details on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies employed to combat this parasitic infection.