Bilharzia — an infection caused by parasitic worms transmitted by freshwater snails — can cause both physical and cognitive development issues in children. Infections occur in 240 million people annually and result in the deaths of an estimated 280,000 people. Most of those infected live in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the second-most prevalent parasitic disease in the world after malaria.
The condition is treated with a drug called praziquantel. The use of this drug has increased greatly in recent years through mass drug administration programs.
Dr. Francisca Mutapi, author of the Lancet study and researcher at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences in the United Kingdom, said additional measures like improved sanitation, snail control and access to safe water are also needed to prevent future outbreaks. Additionally, more research is required to determine how long praziquantel provides patients with immunity and the overall long-term effects of mass medication delivery campaigns.
“For the first time, we are approaching a point where most people affected by bilharzia will receive treatment at least once during their lifetime,” said Dr. Mutapi. “MDA programs are a welcome development but, in planning for the future, we need to know more about their complex effects on the affected populations — both human and parasite.”
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