Esquistomiasis, bilharziasis o fiebre de caracol

La esquistomiasis es una enfermedad parasitaria causada en periodos de inundaciones, sitic disease caused by blood flukes, trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma.
The larvae of the parasite are harboured by snails and infect humans who bathe in or come in contact with infested waters. The larvae enter through the skin, migrate via the blood vessels, and mature in the lungs. From there they travel to the veins of the upper or lower intestine or bladder and reproduce.

The signs following the infection are rashes or itchy skin. Two months after infection, fever, chills, cough and muscle aches may occur, as the parasites mature. Untreated infections can result in blood in urine and stools, and enlarged liver and spleen. Other symptoms depend on the tissues affected; cirrhosis of the liver is common. Although symptoms vary according to the species of infecting fluke, all forms can result in general weakening and eventual death.

Schistosomiasis is considered the second most important parasitic infection after malaria in terms of public health and economic impact. The disease is prevalent in Asia, some Pacific islands, Africa, the West Indies, South America, Spain, Puerto Rico, and Cyprus.

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Sources:
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/schisto/en/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schistomiasis
Picture:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&rls=GGLD%2CGGLD%3A2005-12%2CGGLD%3Aen&q=schistosomiasis