Schistosomiasis In Africa

Schistosomiasis in Africa is an unpleasant disease spread by contact with fresh water. The disease is also known as bilharzia.

Flukes, whose life cycle requires fresh water snails, cause Schistosomiasis.
Schistosomiasis is contracted through the skin from fresh water contaminated with urine or faeces of an infected person.
Baboons can also be responsible for water contamination. So even places with minimal human habitation, bilharzia can still flourish in fresh water.
Never assume fresh water to be free from bilharzia in any endemic area. Even deep water, far offshore cannot be regarded as safe. Salt, brackish and polluted water are safe.
It is second only to malaria as a public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
Any hunter to areas where Schistosomiasis is endemic is at risk. This includes Africa.
Hunters should avoid paddling or swimming in fresh water lakes, streams, rivers or slow running water. Sometimes it may be unavoidable if you need to cross a small, shallow river when out hunting. A good hunter's tip is to carry a couple of strong bin bags and put one on each leg to wade the water.
Avoid neglected swimming pools.
Quick drying of exposed areas can offer some protection, due to larvae needing water to survive.
Watch out for a tingling skin sensation and/or rash (swimmer's itch) a few hours after being in infected water.
Though this subsides, it does not mean you have not got bilharzia. See a doctor if you get fevers, general malaise, abdominal pain and blood in the urine.