What causes it?Bilharzia is caused by infestation by a type of flatworm, or fluke (parasite). Fluke larvae are released by freshwater snails. These larvae penetrate the human skin and mature into adults. Female flukes may lay eggs that cause inflammation. What are the symptoms?The symptoms depend on the species of fluke. 'Swimmer's itch' develops where the parasite enters the skin, and is often the only symptom. Other possible symptoms include muscle pain, headache, diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, coughing, a burning sensation when passing urine, passing urine more frequently and blood in the urine. Untreated bilharzia may cause life-threatening urinary system or liver damage, bladder tumours and bowel cancer. Who's affected?Bilharzia mainly affects people in developing countries. People who bathe in tropical lakes, rivers, canals or freshwater pools (that haven't been chlorinated) are at risk. People from the UK become infested only when visiting tropical countries. It's more common in children. How's it prevented?The infection can be avoided by not swimming or wading in water in tropical areas where bilharzia is known to occur. What's the treatment?If exposure has occurred, seek medical advice. Infestation is treated with medication to kill the parasite.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in November 2007
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