We asked travel health expert Lynda Bramham, senior nurse adviser at MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad), what questions she would ask a doctor about this condition.
If the local hotels and information boards state the water is safe, can I swim in these areas?
It’s best not to rely on this information. A number of travellers who have returned with schistosomiasis from Lake Malawi claim that they were told the water was safe to swim in.
Where are the highest-risk areas?
It is thought that more than 80% of infected people live in sub-Saharan Africa. Africa generally will be the greatest risk area for UK travellers. The risk is said to be reducing in many Asian and Central and South American countries, but some areas still have cases.
What should I do if I have been swimming in contaminated water?
If you have symptoms, seek medical advice. Some travellers report that the treatment drugs for schistosomiasis are available 'over the counter' in some parts of Africa. We don’t generally recommend that these drugs are used as fake or sub-standard medicines are available in many countries. Also, the drugs will only cure the infection once the worms have matured, so taking these a few days after a swim won’t help.
Where can I get the screening tests done when I return home if I’m worried that I may have been infected?
Generally, you should go to your GP, who can refer you to an infectious or tropical diseases department if necessary.
