Improving Access to Anti-Schistosome Treatment and Care in Nonendemic Areas of China: Lessons from One Case of Advanced Schistosomiasis Japonica.

The article reports on the need for the Chinese government to improve access to anti-schistosome treatment. Schistosomiasis, caused by trematode blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, is considered the second most prevalent disease after malaria in the tropical and subtropical world. Among five schistosome species, Schistosoma japonicum is the most deadly, mainly because of its high egg output. This parasite is endemic in mainland China, the Philippines and Indonesia. Details on the symptoms of this disease are also highlighted.