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Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. The parasites that cause schistosomiasis live in certain types of freshwater snails. The infectious form of the parasite, known as cercariae, emerge from the snail, hence contaminating water. Most human infections are caused by Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, or S. japonicum. Infection occurs when skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater in which certain types of snails that carry the parasite are living. Schistosoma parasites can penetrate the skin. Over several weeks, the parasites migrate through host tissue and develop into adult worms inside the blood vessels of the body. Most people have no symptoms when they are first infected. However, within days after becoming infected, they may develop a rash or itchy skin. Within 1-2 months of infection, symptoms may develop including fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches.