08.02.2026 10:00
The World Health Organization announced that the parasite capable of settling in sexual organs and causing schistosomiasis has evolved to adapt to survive in new geographical areas. It emphasized the potential for widespread global distribution of the parasite, which can be transmitted through the skin to humans and animals that come into contact with freshwater, and issued warnings.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the parasites causing schistosomiasis have evolved to adapt to living in different geographical areas. These parasites enter the body through the skin, mix with the bloodstream, and can settle in the liver, lungs, and sexual organs, remaining undetected for a long time.
Every year, approximately 250 million people worldwide receive treatment for schistosomiasis. The majority of cases are seen in African countries where snails carrying the parasite are abundant. However, the disease is no longer limited to Africa.
TRANSMISSION DETECTED IN 78 COUNTRIES
Schistosomiasis transmission has been recorded in 78 countries, including China, Venezuela, and Indonesia. In Turkey, cases have only been detected in individuals returning from abroad. According to the WHO, the parasite's adaptation to new conditions may change this situation.
The statement was made in the context of "World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day." Today aims to draw attention to infectious diseases that affect one billion people worldwide but are not given enough importance.
HOW DOES THE PARASITE INFECT THE SEXUAL ORGANS?
Schistosomiasis is transmitted to humans and animals that come into contact with freshwater containing parasite larvae. The larvae penetrate the skin, enter the body, and begin to live in blood vessels. Some of the eggs laid by female parasites are excreted through urine and feces, while others remain in the body, causing an excessive reaction from the immune system. This process can lead to damage to surrounding tissues and organ failure.
If the eggs accumulate in the sexual organs, "urinary schistosomiasis" develops. This condition can result in pain, cancer risk, and in severe cases, death.
DIAGNOSIS IS DIFFICULT, RISK IS HIGH
New research shows that hybrid parasites that have evolved particularly affect the sexual organs and are difficult to detect with standard tests. The eggs do not resemble typical parasite eggs under a microscope, and the symptoms are often confused with sexually transmitted diseases, delaying diagnosis.
Untreated urinary schistosomiasis can lead to genital lesions, infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
OUTBREAKS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN EUROPE AS WELL
Scientists believe that climate change and increased international travel have accelerated the spread of the parasite. In recent years, outbreaks caused by hybrid parasites have been recorded in southern Europe. WHO officials state that the situation has now become a global concern.
Thanks to comprehensive control programs, schistosomiasis cases decreased by 60% between 2006 and 2024. However, according to WHO data, international aid allocated to combat neglected tropical diseases declined by 41% between 2018 and 2023.