Schistosomiasis is a chronic, parasitic disease that infects at least 230 million people worldwide with the vast majority (~90%) being in Africa.
These blood flukes can be treated with the antihelminth, praziquantel, which can cure mild symptoms and prevent it from progressing to severe, late-stage, chronic disease.
However, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) Fact Sheet released Saturday, only 14% of 230 million people infected get treatment.
This sad reality comes at the same time the number of people treated has increased three-fold. According to the newly released Fact Sheet, the number of people treated for schistosomiasis increased from 12.4 million in 2006 to 33.5 million in 2010.
Schistosomiasis is seen in at least 77 countries; however, those most at risk for the infection are in approximately 50 nations.
Schistosomiasis, aka bilharzia, is common primarily in fishing and agricultural populations. Children are especially vulnerable to this parasitic disease.
More tourists from non-endemic countries have been seen recently with the rise of eco-tourism and adventure vacations.
According to the WHO:
Praziquantel is the only available treatment against all forms of schistosomiasis. It is effective, safe and low-cost. Even though re-infection may occur after treatment, the risk of developing severe disease is diminished and even reversed when treatment is initiated in childhood.
Praziquantel has been used successfully over the past 20 years to control schistosomiasis in Brazil, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, some countries have succeeded in interrupting schistosomiasis transmission.
A recent study suggests that in addition to praziquantel treatment, access and use of better sanitation facilities can decrease the infection burden.
Schistosomiasis is second only to malaria in terms of socioeconomic & public health importance. The WHO Fact Sheet notes that schistosomiasis can cause anemia, stunting and a reduced ability to learn in young children, although this is reversible with treatment. Chronic schistosomiasis may affect people’s ability to work and in some cases can result in death. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 200 000 deaths per year are due to schistosomiasis.
To solve the issue of access to praziquantel, the WHO along with its partners have advocated an increased access to the drug and the resources for implementing the preventive chemotherapy.
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