
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS
Prevention and control of schistosomiasis. The second most common cause of human suffering in the tropics and subtropics, after malaria, is schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease. Over 240 million people worldwide are infected, and five species are known to infect humans. Up until now, mass drug administration of 40 mg/kg of praziquantel has been the mainstay of control.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS
However, this strategy has drawbacks. Vaccines for humans and cattle are still in different stages of development. Future elimination and sustainability can only be achieved through integrated control that targets the life cycle. There isn’t a vaccine to stop schistosomiasis. some of its symptoms include, cough, diarrhoea, joint pain , tummy pain. You can reduce your risk of contracting it by taking certain actions.
1. Avoid entering freshwater

In areas where schistosomiasis is prevalent, avoid swimming, wading, or taking a bath in freshwater. Pools that are chlorinated and the ocean are both safe.
2. Drink clean water

Schistosomiasis cannot be contracted by drinking contaminated water. You could become infected, though, if the parasites come into contact with your lips or mouth while you’re drinking the water.
3. Boil water

Before drinking, bring water from lakes, rivers, streams, canals, or springs to a boil for at least one minute. The water can also be filtered. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can all be eliminated by boiling water. Safe water is not guaranteed by iodine treatment alone.
4. Get your bath water ready

Also, there are things you can do to make your bath water safe. • To get rid of anything dangerous, boil your bath water until it is bubbling vigorously for at least a minute. To avoid getting burned, wait until the water has cooled down before entering. Make sure to thoroughly dry yourself. After a brief exposure to contaminated water, thoroughly dry yourself with a towel. The Schistosoma parasite may be kept out of your skin by the drying process. This is not a good way to avoid schistosomiasis.
Controlling Schistosomiasis

Meanwhile, in nations where schistosomiasis poses a serious threat, control measures concentrate on lowering the infection rate, eliminating the snails that the parasites reside in, and providing adequate water and sanitation. Schistosomiasis can be prevented or its spread reduced by draining and eliminating sewage. In regions where the disease is less prevalent, schistosomiasis can be stopped, according to public health officials. To stop the spread, entire communities are treated in bulk, and school-age children are specifically treated.
1. However, avoid drinking from these water sources. Although parasites can enter the skin around your mouth, you won’t get them by drinking the water.
2. Although, avoid swimming or taking a bath in these waters.
3. Meanwhile, avoid using these waters to wash your clo€thes.
4. Also, these bodies of water are not suitable for fishing. You can vigorously dry yourself off with a towel if you do get wet. That might be useful, but don’t depend on it.
Summary
Hence, a parasitic flatworm that enters your skin through contaminated water sources is the cause of schistosomiasis. Bladder cancer is linked to it. There is a medication to treat it, but no vaccine. The parasite that develops in the snail and then infects humans has a type of forked head that makes it possible for it to pierce your skin.