B65: Schistosomiasis [bilharziasis]
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharziasis, is a group of diseases caused by parasitic worms known as schistosomes. The schistosomes are typically transmitted to humans when their larvae, released by specific types of freshwater snails, penetrate the skin during contact with infested water. The most common symptoms of schistosomiasis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool or urine, and these symptoms can progress over time as the worms inhabit the blood vessels and cause damage to organs, particularly the liver and bladder. While some individuals may not show any symptoms, severe forms of the disease can cause significant health problems. The infections often occur in parts of Africa, South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean where access to clean water is limited.
Subcodes of B65:
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