What it is
Many people have no symptoms at first. Without treatment, it can damage organs such as the bladder, liver and gut over time.
It is treated with a medicine called praziquantel, usually taken after waiting a few weeks from exposure. Avoiding fresh water in affected areas prevents it.
Common signs
- An itchy rash where the worms entered the skin
- High temperature, cough and aches a few weeks later
- Tummy pain or diarrhoea
- Blood in pee or poo
- Tiredness
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about travel and swimming in fresh water
- Blood tests
- Urine or stool tests
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood, urine and stool test results
- Travel clinic or infectious disease letters
- Prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- When should I be tested after exposure?
- Do I need follow-up tests after treatment?
- Could any organs have been affected?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Large amounts of blood in pee or poo, or vomiting blood: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.