Читать книгу (101 things to know when you go) ON SAFARI IN AFRICA - Patrick Brakspear - Страница 32

Bilharzia is common in the tropics where lakes, streams and dams (still water) harbour bilharzia-transmitting snails. Parasite larvae develop in snails from which they infect humans, their definitive host, in which they mature and reproduce. There is no prophylactic available against bilharzia but treatment is now readily available in pill or injection form (a drug called praziquantel). The condition can be unpleasant so it is better not to swim in rivers, streams or dams, particularly where the water is stagnant or used by local villagers as a laundry or bathing area.