January is “Schistosomiasis Awareness” month in the Philippines according to the Department of Health Calendar. This is celebrated yearly to improve or enhance the knowledge and skills of LGU staff in the implementation of Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control, for a more comprehensive approach including potable water, adequate sanitation, and snail control.
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) specifically of the genus Schistosoma. An individual may acquire the infection when the skin comes in contact with the contaminated freshwater in which certain types of snails that carry schistosomes are present. In the body, the larvae develop into adult schistosomes. The adult worms live in the blood vessels where the females release eggs. Some of the eggs are passed out of the body in the feces or urine to continue their life cycle while others become trapped in body tissues, causing immune reactions and progressive damage to organs.
The common symptoms that a person may feel usually come out within days after becoming infected which manifested through the development of a rash or itchy skin. Fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches can begin within 1-2 months of infection. However, most people have no symptoms at this early phase of infection.
Symptoms are caused by the body’s reaction to the worms’ eggs. It could lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even blood in the stool or urine. It can also lead to liver enlargement, which is an advanced case. If left untreated, it can lead to a long-term infection that can result in severe development of lesions, which can lead to blockage of blood flow. This infection can also cause portal hypertension, which can make collateral circulation, hence, redirecting the eggs to other parts of the body.
Untreated infected individuals could transmit the disease by discharging schistosome eggs in feces or urine into the bodies of water. If you think you are infected, consult immediately with your health care provider or a doctor to test your stool/urine if there is the presence of schistosome eggs. It is important to be tested before spreading the infection to our family and to other people.
AA VI Angelyn P. Intal, RND
References:
- Department of Health IX. Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination Program”. website: https://ro9.doh.gov.ph/index.php/health-programs/infectious-disease-program/schistosomiasis-control-and-elimination-program
- World Health Organization. Schistosomiasis. website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis
- Central for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites – Schistosomiasis. website: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/schistosomiasis/gen_info/faqs.html
