Schistosomiasis

A major public health problem

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that leads to chronic ill-health. Infection is acquired from infected freshwater containing the larval forms (cercariae) of blood flukes, known as schistosomes. The centimetre-long worms live in the veins draining the urinary tract and intestines, laying eggs that can cause massive damage.

Schistosomiasis affects at least 240 million people worldwide, and more than 700 million people live in endemic areas. The infection is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, in poor communities without potable water and adequate sanitation. Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma haematobium and intestinal schistosomiasis by any of the organisms S. intercalatum, S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. mekongi.

Several million people all over the world suffer from severe morbidity as a consequence of schistosomiasis.

The new WHO strategy on use of anthelminthic drugs now makes it possible to control schistosomiasis in poor and marginalized communities, in conjunction with interventions against lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at Email:wormcontrol@who.int