Parasitic Diseases

Main Types of Parasitic Diseases

Malaria: A life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia, usually spread through contaminated water or food.
Toxoplasmosis: Caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, it can be contracted through undercooked, contaminated meat and exposure to infected cat’s faeces.
Schistosomiasis: Also known as snail fever, it is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes. The infection occurs when skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater.
Leishmaniasis: Caused by the bite of infected sand flies, causing skin lesions and potentially visceral or systemic disease.

Malaria’s symptoms include fever, headache, chills and vomiting, appearing 10 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Giardiasis often causes diarrhoea, gas, stomach pain, nausea and dehydration.
Toxoplasmosis often causes flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes or muscle aches. In serious cases, it can cause damage to the brain, lungs or other organs.
Schistosomiasis symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stool or urine, rash or itchy skin.
Leishmaniasis can cause skin sores (cutaneous) or can affect internal organs like the spleen, liver (visceral), often leading to anaemia, weight loss, and systemic illness.

Malaria can progress to severe illness, often leading to organ failure and death, particularly if not treated promptly.
Giardiasis, if untreated, may lead to malnutrition, weight loss and developmental problems in children.
Serious complications of toxoplasmosis include inflammation of the eye (ocular toxoplasmosis) or harm to unborn babies in pregnant women.
Chronic schistosomiasis can lead to damage to the liver, lungs, intestines and bladder.
Leishmaniasis can lead to death if visceral disease goes untreated.

Reducing contact with vectors such as mosquitoes, snails, and sand flies can reduce the risk of parasitic diseases.
Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices can prevent transmission of diseases like Giardiasis.
Properly cooking food, washing fruits and vegetables, and practising safe pet care can reduce the risk of Toxoplasmosis.
Travellers to endemic areas can take preventative medications or vaccines, if available.