Schistosomiasis Epidemic in Africa I recently read the article “The snails spreading fever across Africa” in which author, Meera Senthilingam elaborates on the schistosomiasis, crisis in Africa. Bilharzia is disease is caused by schistosomiasis parasitic worms which are generally found in freshwater sources-these parasites use snails as a host until they find a human host to infect. Commonly, these parasites burrow through the skin and may cause symptoms such as a swollen abdomen, fever and chills. In addition, once a human has become infected, the disease may stay within the body for years before the infected even experiences symptoms. This makes it even more difficult to control the spread of the disease by treating those who are infected. Schistosomiasis parasites are mainly found in fresh water sources as they infiltrate certain types of fresh water snails. Humans come in contact with these host snails infected with the parasites and become infected themselves when swimming, wading, washing, or bathing in the contaminated water. In order for the fresh water snails to become infected by the parasite, the water must first become contaminated. The largest, most well-known reasoning for contamination comes from individuals who are currently a host to schistosomiasis. This epidemic has become so prevalent in Africa due to the lack of bathroom facilities in highly populated or high traffic areas. Those already infected, carry parasitic eggs in their system which find their way into either the host’s bladder or intestines. When the infected is unable to find an unoccupied bathroom, it is not uncommon for individuals to urinate or defecate into or near fresh water sources. As a result, they are contaminating the water with the parasitic eggs found in the urine or feces. Further investigation into this topic lead me to The World Health Organziation or WHO which is an organization that works internationally, partnering to help promote health and control disease on a public level. WHO “estimated that at least 90% of those requiring treatment for schistosomiasis live in Africa.” In an effort to control and reduce the spread of schistosomiasis to at-risk African communities, WHO plans to improve sanitation, paired with hygiene education. Additionally, treating this epidemic will also involve increasing access to safe water and controlling the populations of snails that host the parasite. By treating a wide range of people, such as school aged children in endemic areas, entire communities in areas with effected water, adults at risk due to contact with contaminated water in their occupation, WHO hopes to reduce the spread of the parasitic disease. However, in order to heed the seriousness of the spread of this disease, it is important to note The World Health Organziation 2014 data shows that of those affected by the disease, only an estimates 20.7% of people were reached and received treatment. I found this data, in addition to that related to the WHO in the original CNN article, to be alarming-“258 million require preventative treatment” AND 90% of people needing treatment live in Africa & only 20.7% of them are being reached for treatment! It is clear with this paralleling data that continued treatment and prevention of the spread of schistosomiasis is necessary for these effected African communities. Alan Fenwick, Director of the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), drives this home with yet more startling statistics that there are ten times that number of people in Africa affected by schistosomiasis than those infected with HIV. Also a Professor of Tropical Parasitology at Imperial College London, Fenwick stated that going out and proactively finding children “who are infected and treat them” is a big part of battling this epidemic. Small children are most prone to these parasitic infections due to their frequent contact with water in the contaminated areas. It is important to treat them early on, as the infection can be carried in your body many years before any symptoms even occur. I feel this is an obvious cause for requiring necessary preventative education and improved access to sanitation. With the improvement of greater sanitation system, will come the ability to more easily control the effected sources. I feel the main issue with this in the African communities, after sanitation is improved would be more so educating those on why this is necessary. Now, it is normal and accessible to urinate into a nearby watering hole or bath in that same fresh water. Educating and helping the evolution of the people in the affected communities by promoting better hygiene and habits will be key. In conclusion, the fresh water snail, though small and harmless can carry a deadly disease causing parasite that effects nearly 350 million people in the African deserts. Something as simple as doing a required job, or an innocent child bathing can bring onto years of sharing one’s body with this schistosomiasis parasites. Ultimately, this parasite causes death-unless treated. It is imperative to this issue to understand this parasite is affecting an entire continent of people; their drinking water, their jobs, their children. It is necessary to improve sanitation in high traffic areas and communities in order to contain and control any contamination outbreaks. In addition, hygiene education, prevention and treatment of those currently affected will be key in controlling and maintaining any further spread of the schistosomiasis parasites.