Bilharzia May 2026

Infection does not happen by drinking the water, but through with contaminated freshwater.

, also known as schistosomiasis or "snail fever," is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes. It is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and is the second most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease after malaria. How Transmission Occurs bilharzia

: Once inside, the worms mature and live in the blood vessels. The female worms lay eggs; some leave the body through urine or feces to continue the cycle, while others become trapped in body tissues, causing organ damage. Symptoms to Watch For Infection does not happen by drinking the water,

: When humans swim, wash, or fish in these waters, the tiny larvae (cercariae) penetrate the skin. How Transmission Occurs : Once inside, the worms

: The parasites develop inside freshwater snails before being released into the water.

Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) - World Health Organization (WHO)