Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasite in the form of flatworm Schistosoma that lives freshwater. Schistosomiasis can occur suddenly (acute) or chronic (chronic).
Worms that cause schistosomiasis are often found in tropical and subtropical climates. Some parts of countries in Africa, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean and Asia, including Indonesia, are classified as areas of schistosomiasis.
Spread of Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis is the third largest parasitic disease in the world, and based on its impact on humans, schistosomiasis is classified as the second tropical disease after malaria. Worms that cause schistosomiasis can swim freely in fresh water such as in ponds, rivers, lakes, ditches and reservoirs. This Schistosoma parasite, can enter the human body through direct contact, although initially it does not cause symptoms.
Schistosoma will settle in the skin and mature itself, towards the adult stage. Then it will move towards a number of body parts such as the lungs, liver, bladder, intestine, anus, spleen and blood vessels that drain blood from the intestine to the liver, so that it will develop into an adult worm form.
Patients can then spread schistosomiasis when urine or feces containing worm eggs contaminate fresh water.
Be aware of the symptoms
In general, symptoms of schistosomiasis infection are characterized by fever, chills, swelling of the lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Other symptoms can include coughing, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain and feeling unwell.
Worms that enter the skin can cause rashes (swimmer's rash) and itching. These symptoms are usually a form of the body's reaction to an egg worm infection.
However, some people who get schistosomiasis do not experience any symptoms during the first few months or even years. However, there are still long-term effects from flatworm infections including digestive disorders, urinary tract, lungs and heart to nervous system disorders.
Schistosomiasis is divided into two types, namely:
- Intestinal schistosomiasis. Caused by the Schistosoma japonicum worm which is geographically spread in Indonesia, China and the Philippines. Intestinal schistosomiasis is also caused by other Schistosoma worms namely Schistoma guineensis, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma mekongi. Symptoms of intestinal schistosomiasis are characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool. In severe conditions it can cause swelling of the liver. In some cases, spleen swelling can also occur.
- Urogenital schistosomiasis (genitals and urine) caused by Schistosoma haematobium worms. Symptoms of urogenital schistosomiasis are in the form of increased frequency of urination, pain during urination, and blood in the urine (hematuria).
It is recommended that you consult a doctor if you experience the above symptoms.
Handling and Prevention
Treatment for schistosomiasis can be done by administering a worm drug, Praziquantel. This drug effectively disables adult worms, but not against eggs or small worms. Therefore, it is necessary to re-administer the drug after several weeks.
For those of you who like traveling and adventure in the wild, you should be careful about the cleanliness of the water in the place you visit. Precautions that can be taken are by:
- Filter and cook to boil fresh water taken from ponds, rivers, lakes or reservoirs.
- Avoid swimming, paddling and bathing in fresh water carelessly or the source of water is unknown.
- Wear pants and shoes made from waterproof rubber before going down the river.
- Avoiding the consumption of free drugs from the surrounding area, without doctor's advice.
- Do not easily believe the information on the notice board at the inn that the water at the location is safe. However, this type of worm is rarely found in swimming pools containing chlorine, sea and water reservoirs with good care.
Until now, there was no vaccine to prevent schistosomiasis. For that, you are asked to always be alert in the open or locations related to fresh water. Consult a doctor immediately if you feel the symptoms of schistosomiasis or other suspicious symptoms.
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