Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis is a research focus of the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic worms. Although the worms that cause schistosomiasis are not found in the United States, people are infected worldwide. In terms of impact this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease. Schistosomiasis is considered one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).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 into the water. You can become infected when your skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater. Most human infections are caused by Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, or S. japonicum.
Source: Global Health, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, CDC
