A 4-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital after his parents noticed strange, snake-like lines spreading across his palm. Days earlier, he had been playing in a sand pile and got a tiny scratch between his fingers. At first, it seemed harmless, but soon thin, twisting tracks appeared beneath the skin, prompting an emergency visit.
Doctors discovered the culprit: schistosome larvae, a parasite that can enter the body through cuts or abrasions when exposed to contaminated water or sand. Schistosomes are parasitic worms found in polluted or stagnant freshwater. Once inside, the larvae travel through blood vessels, mature into adult worms, and lay eggs that can damage vital organs.
Early symptoms of acute schistosomiasis include fever, rashes, stomach pain, diarrhea, and coughing. Without treatment, chronic infection may cause liver or spleen enlargement, anemia, digestive issues, and blood in urine or stool. Prompt medical attention and avoiding unsafe water sources are key to preventing this serious parasitic disease.
