Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a disease that is relatively rare in the United States but has become an endemic in more than 74 countries. This disease has infected some 200 million people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The disease is caused by parasitic worms, or flukes, which reside in contaminated or poorly sanitized fresh water. The most common effects of the disease are urinary tract and abdominal/intestinal disorders. Sonography has become an invaluable tool in detecting the clinical presentation of schistosomiasis, although lab studies of fecal and urine contents are the required to confirm infection. Although there is no current vaccine available for schistosomiasis, advances in drugs such as praziquantel, oxamniquine, and metrifonate have led to highly effective treatment. These drugs have led to a substantial reduction in morbidity in many areas. Mortality rates have also declined, but when present, it is usually due to intestinal bleeding or bladder cancer.