Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) in Kenya

Schistosomiasis in Kenya

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic disease caused by flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. It is transmitted through contact with freshwater contaminated with parasite larvae. These larvae are released by freshwater snails, the intermediate hosts. People become infected by swimming, wading, or using contaminated water, as the larvae penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. The symptoms of schistosomiasis initially appear mild. Many people only notice their infection when they detect blood in their urine. By this time, the parasite has already begun to damage the body. However, access to treatment remains a significant challenge in endemic areas, and many families only receive medication when community health workers distribute it as part of awareness campaigns in their communities. The symptoms of schistosomiasis initially appear mild. The disease occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, South America, and parts of Asia. Between 200 and 500 million people are regularly exposed to the virus. Initial symptoms include a skin rash and itching (dermatitis), followed by high fever, cough, muscle pain, and fatigue. Chronic infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the urine or stool, liver and spleen fibrosis, and damage to the urinary and reproductive organs, potentially leading to serious complications such as bladder cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal of eliminating this disease as a public health problem by 2030. Kenya and its partners are working diligently to achieve this goal through widespread medication distribution and improved sanitation. Schistosomiasis continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Kenya, particularly in the western regions. Ongoing national campaigns focus on drug treatment and improved sanitation to achieve the elimination targets by 2030, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including children. @https://neurolaunch.com/symptoms-of-schistosomiasis-in-the-brain/ @https://www.the-star.co.ke/health/2025-11-12-inside-kenyas-push-to-eliminate-bilharzia-by-2030