Schistosomiasis in Rakhine, Myanmar

The State Public Health Department of Rakhine has reported cases of schistosomiasis in the state. Between 1 January to 19 June 2019, a total of 214 people were confirmed to have the infection. Most of the cases were reported from Sittwe township, followed by Pauktaw, Mrauk-U, Ponnagyun, and Kyauktaw townships.

Consigli

Schistosomiasis is spread by contact with fresh water contaminated with the parasitic flatworms called schistosomes that are released by infected freshwater snails. Exposure often occurs during fishing or farming. The risk of exposure for the general traveller is usually low. However, an increasing number of tourists are acquiring the disease due to the increased popularity of eco-tourism and travelling to remote destinations. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to this infection by avoiding contact with contaminated water while fishing, swimming, bathing, wading, or farming where contaminated snails discharge into water sources.