infections
Schistosomiasis
Prevention of Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis is best prevented by Avoiding swimming, bathing, or wading in fresh water in areas known to contain schistosomes Using latrines or toilets for urination and defecation Using chemicals that kill snails (molluscicides) in bodies of fresh water known to contain schistosomes 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 (for example, by falling into a river) should vigorously dry off with a towel to attempt to remove any parasites before they penetrate the skin. Using molluscicides in bodies of fresh water that contain schistosomes can be effective in preventing schistosomiasis, but it can also be difficult to do and expensive, and raises environmental concerns. Mass community-based or school-based treatment withpraziquantel(an antiparasitic medication) and education programs are used to control schistosomiasis in endemic areas. 