title: Characteristics of schistosomiasis in travelers reported to the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network 1997-2008.
abstract: Among ill returned travelers to Schistosoma-endemic areas reported to the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network over a decade 410 schistosomiasis diagnoses were identified: 102 Schistosoma mansoni, 88 S. haematobium, 7 S. japonicum, and 213 Schistosoma unknown human species. A total of 83% were acquired in Africa. Unlike previous large case series, individuals born in endemic areas were excluded. Controlling for age and sex, those traveling for missionary or volunteer work, or as expatriates were more likely to be diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Sixty-three percent of those with schistosomiasis presented within six months of travel. Those seen early more often presented with fever and respiratory symptoms compared with those who presented later. One-third of patients with schistosomiasis were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Half of those examined for schistosomiasis were diagnosed with infection. Screening for schistosomiasis should be encouraged for all potentially exposed travelers and especially for missionaries, volunteers, and expatriates.
authors.affiliation: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. djn7@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nicolls
authors.forename: Leisa H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Weld
authors.forename: Eli
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Christie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reed
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: von Sonnenburg
authors.forename: David O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Freedman
authors.forename: Phyllis E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Kozarsky
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014195:Travel