Bilharzia, also known as Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection affecting humans caused by schistosomes or blood flukes.
The adult worms typically live in the blood vessels around the bowel or bladder (depending on the type).
The worms produce eggs which can cause health problems.
Symptoms of Bilharzia include:
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fever
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headache
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cough
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urticaria
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lymphadenopathy
Physical signs include a tender enlarged liver and spleen and blood tests may show a certain picture.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected fresh water in rivers, lakes, streams, dams and rock pools. The immature form of the bloodfluke (cercaria) are released from fresh water snails and penetrate the skin and occasionally through the lining of the mouth.
Bilharzia is present in most African countries and in limited areas of South America, the Middle East and Asia.
Antibodies against Bilharzia however may persist for many years, even after successful treatment making the diagnosis of a re-infection or the diagnosis of an unsuccessful treatment very cumbersome. Antibodies may also be absent in certain cases of chronic active infection. | 
Phlebotomy