Symptoms of Urinary Schistosomiasis
The symptoms of schistosomiasis, an infection caused by parasitic worms, vary based on the type of the worm and the stage of the infection. These symptoms can be categorized into acute and chronic manifestations, as outlined below:
Acute Symptoms
Acute symptoms typically develop within 3 to 8 weeks following exposure to the infection. They may include:
- Skin rash.
- Fever.
- Headaches.
- Muscle pain (myalgia) and general malaise.
- Difficulty breathing.
Chronic Symptoms
Chronic symptoms can emerge months or even years after the initial infection with the parasitic worm. Notable symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling, also known as ascites.
- Blood in urine or stool.
- General weakness.
- Seizures.
- Altered mental state.
- Chest pain and palpitations.
- Shortness of breath.
- Bladder irritation and inflammation.
- Pain during urination along with a frequent urge to urinate.
Complications of Urinary Schistosomiasis
Urinary schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic infection involving worms that primarily inhabit blood vessels. However, these worms can migrate to other organs, including the intestines, urinary system, lungs, liver, and, in rare cases, the brain and spinal cord. If left untreated, individuals may experience severe health complications, such as paralysis, spinal cord inflammation, and seizures. For children, the infection could lead to growth delays, learning difficulties, anemia, and malnutrition.
Treatment for Urinary Schistosomiasis
The recommended treatment for urinary schistosomiasis is the medication praziquantel, which is effective against mature worms. However, its efficacy may be reduced against immature worm eggs. For travelers to regions where schistosomiasis is endemic, it is advisable to initiate treatment at least 6 to 8 weeks after the last exposure to potentially contaminated freshwater. Additionally, it is recommended to undergo laboratory tests one to two months post-treatment to confirm the effectiveness of the therapy.