Schistosomiasis is a water-based disease which is considered the second most important parasitic infection after malaria in terms of public health and economic impact. The signs following infection are rashes or itchy skin. Two months after infection, fever, chills, cough and muscle aches may occur, as the parasites mature. Untreated infections can result in blood in urine and stools, and enlarged liver and spleen. In children there is a negative impact in terms of growth, nutritional status and cognitive development.
Chronic infection leads to diseases of the liver, kidneys and bladder.
Occasionally, the nervous system is affected causing seizures, paralysis or spinal cord inflammation. Cause Schistosomiasis infection in humans, the definitive hosts, is caused by three main species of flatworm, namely Schistosoma haematobium , S. japonicum , and S. mansoni . In Asia, cattle and water buffalo can be important reservoir hosts. Infection occurs when free-swimming larvae penetrate human skin. The larvae develop in fresh-water snails.