Schistosomiasis Fact Sheet

Also known as snail fever, schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes. It is spread through contact with contaminated fresh water. Most human cases are caused by specific species of flatworms. In tropical countries, it is second only to malaria among parasitic diseases with the greatest economic impact. Schistosomiasis affects almost 200 million individuals per year, with most cases occurring in Africa, Asia and South America.