Symptoms+&+Disease+Progression+-+Schistosomiasis

Symptoms of schistosomiasis are not caused by the worms themselves, but by the body's immunological response to the eggs floating in the blood stream. Eggs shed by the adult worms that do not pass out of the body can become lodged in the lining of the intestine or bladder, causing inflammation or scarring. Children who are repeatedly infected with the parasite often develop anemia or malnutrition as a result of this parasitic coating that interferes with absorption. Schistosomiasis can also impair the growth and cognitive development of children and increase their risk of bladder cancer.After years of chronic infection, the parasite can also cause damage to the liver, intestine, spleen, lungs and bladder.

Most people have no symptoms when they are first infected. However, within days after becoming infected, they may develop a rash or itchy skin (as shown below). Within 1-2 months of infection, symptoms may develop including fever, chills, cough and muscle aches.

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/schistosomiasis/disease.html



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