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Tanzania - Schistosomiasis in tourist hotel near Lake Eyasi
Monday 17-Sep-2007
Geosentinel, the global surveillance program of the International Society of Medicine, reports an ongoing outbreak of schistosomiasis linked to an artificial swimming pool at a small tented camp hotel near Lake Eyasi in Tanzania. The outbreak was first noted after a group of Israeli travellers became unwell with the disease after returning from Tanzania. The ill travellers had all swum in the pool at the hotel and had not had any other exposure to fresh water whilst on their trip. The lesson is that there is really no safe fresh water in Africa and that the advice of travel medicine specialists to avoid any fresh water exposure in Africa is sound. The safari camp in question has been contacted and we understand they have now ceased all bathing activity in the artificial pool.
Schistosomiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite which penetrates the skin after exposure to fresh water (usually when swimming). It cannot be transmitted in salt water. Most people do not have any immediate symptoms, although some will experience 'swimmers itch' soon after exposure. In some people a short lived illness with fever, cough and swollen glands can occur a couple of weeks after exposure (this is usually mis-diagnosed as a chest infection). For the most part though there are no symptoms until much later when bowel, bladder or even nervous system symptoms can occur. Anyone who is exposed to fresh water in Africa should see a doctor on their return to exclude infection. There may be no signs of infection at the first visit but a blood test done three months after exposure can confirm infection. Fortunately the disease is easily treated with a short course of tablets if caught early.
We recommend that you consult one of our clinics as soon
as your itinerary is known so that a program of vaccination can be planned.
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