infectious diseases
Schistosomiasis
Prevention of Schistosomiasis
Scrupulously avoiding contact with contaminated fresh water prevents schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is not transmitted by swallowing contaminated water; however, mouth and lip contact with contaminated water could lead to infection. Fresh water used for bathing should be boiled for at least 1 minute and then cooled before bathing. However, water that has been held in a storage tank for at least 1 to 2 days should be safe without boiling. People who are accidentally exposed to possibly contaminated water (eg, by falling into a river) should vigorously dry off with a towel to attempt to remove any parasites before they penetrate the skin. The sanitary disposal of urine and feces reduces the likelihood of infection. Adult residents of endemic areas are more resistant to reinfection than children, suggesting the possibility of acquired immunity. Mass community-based or school-based treatment withpraziquantel, education programs, and molluscicides to reduce snail populations are used to control schistosomiasis in endemic areas. Vaccine development is under way. 