World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025:
Schistosomiasis “Snail Fever”, a plague crawling in stagnant water
On World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, January 30th 2025, we are raising awareness about schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, caused by parasitic worms that live in fresh water.
Schistosomiasis is often called the "snail Fever" because the disease's causative parasites, Schistosoma, rely on freshwater snails as part of their life cycle. It is spread when people wade or bathe in water containing the parasite's larvae, which can enter the body through the skin. Untreated, severe cases can cause long-term organ damage, especially in children aged 5 to 15, who are most at risk of infection.
Our teams working to support refugees and host populations living in Dagahaley camp in Kenya have reported a sharp rise in cases of schistosomiasis contamination, underscoring the need for a mass treatment campaign planned to be conducted in April 2025.
This high number of schistosomiasis cases in Dagahaley can be attributed to various factors such as limited access to clean water and sanitation, notably a consequence of the over-stretched and underprioritized water, sanitation and hygiene services in the camp.
There is a treatment available but not enough is produced to meet global demand and supply chains are fragile. Access to timely treatment is essential if we are to control and prevent and eradicate NTDs such as schistosomiasis. Additionally there needs to be improved access to drinking water, and basic hygiene in affected areas to prevent the risk of schistosomiasis spreading.
Explainer video
