SCHISTOSOMIASIS

A debilitating tropical disease, common in underdeveloped regions of the world, particularly rural areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, caused by a small roundworm named Schistosoma. The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with water contaminated by fecal material. Infected humans discharge eggs in feces. These eggs hatch in freshwater, producing a small immature form of the parasite that infects snails common in streams, ponds, and lakes. The life cycle of the worm continues in the snail, and a second immature worm reenters the water where it later infects humans who come in contact with the infected water. Also referred to as Bilharziasis and Snail Fever.