Bilharzia, another name for schistosomiasis, is a condition brought on by parasitic worms. People across the world get sick even though the worms that cause schistosomiasis are not prevalent in the United States. The most severe parasite illness, in terms of impact, is this one, which is only surpassed by malaria. Schistosoma japonicum, often known as the blood fluke, is a parasite that causes the illness of schistosomiasis. It is still widespread in the Philippines, particularly in the provinces of Samar and Leyte, as well as Negros Occidental in Visayas. There are just a few endemic regions in Luzon, including Mindoro Oriental, Sorsogon, and Cagayan.
Snails that dwell in water, rice fields, or rivers store the parasites in them. Small parasites that are shed by the snail penetrate human skin through wounds or other breaks in the skin to spread infection. Once inside, the parasite travels via the blood to the liver where it can dwell and multiply covertly for years. The eggs can go through circulation and into the intestines after they have generated copious numbers of eggs, where they are then eliminated in the feces. Thus, if an infected individual urinates in open water, parasite eggs may be spread. People who live in the aforementioned endemic regions, mostly in Mindanao, are at a higher risk. Men are more in danger since they are in the water more often. Both adults and children who frequently play in rice fields run the risk of contracting the disease.
An individual may have a fever, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and itchy skin where the parasites entered during the early stages. This condition is also known as Katayama fever or "snail fever," and it causes a person to become easily fatigued and exhibit respiratory symptoms like coughing, as well as joint and muscular problems and a temperature. As the illness worsens, the parasites may harm the liver, which would cause the abdomen to become larger, as observed in afflicted youngsters. Wheezing and coughing might result from the worms' potential impact on pulmonary blood flow. In addition to blocking blood arteries in the brain, mature worms can potentially induce convulsions, paralysis, and even stroke.
Antiparasitic medications like Praziquantel, which is safe and very effective in single or split dosages against the Schistosome parasite, are used to treat schistosomiasis. Abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, headaches, and fever are side effects brought on by the response of dying worms, although they are only minor and temporary. Because some people may be asymptomatic, Praziquantel bulk medication administration is the primary method of management in endemic regions. School-aged children are the primary target population since they are the most sensitive and to avoid any potential short- and long-term effects of schistosomiasis on their maturity. Health education, investments in clean water supply and sanitation, environmental protection, and snail control must all be a part of the overall plan for these efforts to be sustained.
The following are recommendations for reducing the spread of schistosomiasis:
1. When residing in or visiting places where parasites are prevalent, use antiparasitic drugs like Praziquantel. Every January, the government sponsors massive drug distribution programs, particularly in endemic regions, to distribute free antiparasitic drugs. The drug is thought to be safe and efficient, and it may treat early, asymptomatic infections and stop their spread.
2. When entering wet areas such as puddles or rice fields, use safety footwear. Avoid contact with rivers or rice fields and treat wounds as quickly as possible, especially those on the feet. Parasites may penetrate skin cracks and are typically found in waters where snails are present.
3. Do not urinate outside. When people defecate outside, worm eggs are released into the soil, water, and surroundings, where they may come into contact with the skin, water supply, or food.
4. In order to lower the risk of illnesses, especially parasite diseases, maintain a healthy body by following a balanced diet. An individual's resistance to infection can be boosted by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which can also help avoid severe types of schistosomiases.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
- Parasites – Schistosomiasis
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/schistosomiasis/index.html#:~:text=Schistosomiasis%2C%20also%20known%20as%20bilharzia,the%20most%20devastating%20parasitic%20disease
- Schistosomiasis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22631-schistosomiasis
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/schistosomiasis/
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/parasitic-infections-trematodes-flukes/schistosomiasis
- What is schistosomiasis?
