Travel-related Schistosomiasis Acquired in Laos

Abstract

Twelve Israeli travelers acquired schistosomiasis in Laos during 2002–2008, and 7 of them had acute schistosomiasis. The patients were probably exposed to Schistosoma mekongi in southern Laos, an area known to be endemic for schistosomiasis. Four possibly were infected in northern Laos, where reports of schistosomiasis are rare.

Keywords

• Schistosoma mekongi
• acute schistosomiasis
• Laos
• Israel
• travelers
• parasites