Schistosomiasis
Alternate Names : Bilharzia, Katayama fever, Swimmer's itch, Blood fluke
Treatment
This infection is usually treated with the drug Praziquantel. If the infection is severe or involves the brain, corticosteroids may be given.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Treatment before significant damage or severe complications occur usually produces good results.
Complications
- Bladder cancer
- Chronic kidney failure
- Chronic liver damage and an enlarged spleen
- Colon (large intestine) inflammation with bloody diarrhea
- Kidney and bladder obstruction
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Repeated blood infections can occur, because bacteria can enter the bloodstream through an irritated colon
- Right-sided heart failure
- Seizures
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of schistosomiasis, especially if you have traveled to a tropical or sub-tropical area where the disease is known to exist or if you have been exposed to contaminated or suspect bodies of water.
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