How does schistosomiasis (bilharzia) affect someone?
Silvanus from Tanzania tells his story of schistosomiasis, how it affected his life and his work, but also how he received treatment and the Drs who fought for him.
Bilharzia (also known as schistosomiasis or snail fever) affects people in 50 endemic countries across Asia, Africa and parts of South America.
Bilharzia is an illness that develops when people come into contact with water contaminated by certain snails that carry disease-causing parasites. These parasites can penetrate through a person’s skin and move through the body.
Infection primarily affects the urinary or intestinal system, causing chronic ill health and, in some cases, death. Lack of access to safe water and hygiene facilities, and water-based activities (such as swimming and fishing) make school-age children the most vulnerable, with infection responsible for malnutrition, absenteeism and possible impaired intellectual development.
Children and adults suffering from persistent and severe bilharzia infections are also likely to have chronic and irreversible diseases later in life, such as scarring (fibrosis) of the liver, bladder cancer or kidney failure.
To find out more visit: https://unitingtocombatntds.org/en/ne...