Situation and vulnerability
Bathing, fishing, agriculture and domestic chores in infested water can expose. Travellers should report contact with water, even without immediate symptoms.
Signs and limits of their interpretation
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea or blood in the stools are possible. Urogenital form can cause blood in the urine and genital damage.
Diagnosis and monitoring
The search for eggs in stools or urine and certain antibody or antigen tests contribute to the diagnosis. The choice depends on the exposure and the suspected form.
Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →
Prevention and care
Avoid contact with potentially infested freshwater in the transmission zone. Pest management and monitoring are determined medically; safe water and sanitation reduce transmission.
Practical issues
Do you have to drink water to get infected?
No: Larvae can penetrate directly through the skin when infested water is in contact. A swim or activity in the water is sufficient to constitute an exposure to be discussed.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
- exact location and dates of bathing
- Blood in urine or stool
- Previous reviews and treatments
Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.
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Related fact sheets
These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.
Compare Schistosomiase with associated sheets →
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