New KU Leuven research shows that the risk of contracting schistosomiasis, an infectious disease caused by a parasitic flatworm, will increase considerably over the next century. Because of climate change, the freshwater snails that can transmit the parasite can now survive in various southern European countries. Researchers want to make people who go on holiday aware of the potential risks of taking a refreshing dive in a river or lake.
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms that you can contract during swimming or taking a dip in contaminated freshwater. Most known cases are in Africa and parts of South America and Asia. The main symptoms are a rash, anaemia, severe abdominal pain, and blood in urine. ...
