Fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches can begin within 1-2 months of infection. Most people have no symptoms at this early phase of infection. Later symptoms are related to the number and location of parasite eggs in the body. Eggs travel to the liver or pass into the intestine or bladder, causing symptoms related to these organs. In rare cases, eggs can travel to the brain or spinal cord and cause seizures, paralysis, or spinal cord inflammation.
Schistosomiasis is diagnosed by testing the urine or stool for parasites.
For accurate results, a blood sample should be taken 6-8 weeks after the last exposure to contaminated water. Schistosomiasis has been reported in U.S. river rafters in Africa, tourists who swam in contaminated waters, and Peace Corps volunteers and others who had contact with fresh water in areas where schistosomiasis occurs. The disease is treatable, usually with the drug praziquantel taken for 1-2 days. For those who go without treatment for a long time, schistosomiasis can be hard to cure. There can be lifelong damage to the liver, lungs, intestines, or bladder.