Schistosomiasis
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Published:2021
2021. "Schistosomiasis", Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics, David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP, Elizabeth D. Barnett, MD, FAAP, Ruth Lynfield, MD, FAAP, Mark H. Sawyer, MD, FAAP
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Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is established by skin penetration of infecting larvae (cercariae, shed by freshwater snails). Initial infections often are asymptomatic. Skin manifestations include pruritus at the penetration site a few hours after water exposure, followed in 5 to 14 days by an intermittent pruritic, sometimes papular, eruption. More intense papular eruptions may occur more quickly and last for 7 to 10 days after exposure in people sensitized previously. Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch) also can be caused by larvae of schistosome parasites of birds or other wildlife. These larvae can penetrate human skin but eventually die in the dermis and do...