Bilharzia or snail fever, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects more than 240 million people worldwide.
Also known as Schistosomiasis, transmission of Bilharzia in Kenya is still a major public health concern, in 62 of the 290 subcounties in Kenya.
The Coastal region, parts of Central and Lower Eastern areas and the Lake Victoria basin are the three major endemic areas.
Transmission is still common in many areas, with people infected during domestic, agricultural and commercial activities.
Exposure to the worm can happen while car washing, sand harvesting, and fishing and during recreational activities, such as swimming.
Bilharzia is caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes, of which schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium are the two major species.
The parasites live within freshwater snails and infect humans by penetrating the skin.
The disease can lead to chronic inflammation of the organs, which can be fatal.
