Probe after pupils on school trips to Malawi are hit by tropical illness

HEALTH experts have launched plans to tackle a tropical disease amid rising cases among youngsters returning from school trips.

At least 774 Scots have been infected with bilharzia (also known as schistosomiasis or ‘snail fever’) in the past five years.

Yesterday, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) said it was launching a Schistosomiasis National Advice, Investigation and Liaison (Snail) group.

It will draw up guidance on how to ensure returning travellers are tested and treated properly, which would see more of those at risk of infection given blood tests.

Many of the cases are thought to be linked with school and university trips to Malawi, where the parasite is common. Many Scottish schools are twinned with those in Malawi and university students frequently organise volunteering trips to take part in community projects.

Scotland, which has historic links to Malawi through explorer David Livingstone, now has the highest number of imported cases of bilharzia in Europe.

The parasite comes from fresh water in which the infected snails live, such as lakes or even the shower water in lakeside lodges which is often drawn directly from them. Anyone coming into contact with contaminated water is at risk.

The parasites burrow into the skin and can develop into adult worms in the blood vessels, leading to liver and lung damage and an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Early symptoms include itchy bumps on the skin, fever and abdominal pain. The infection can be diagnosed with blood tests and treated with medication to kill the worms.

HPS nurse consultant Fiona Genasi said: ‘Schistosomiasis is the most frequently reported parasitic infection in Scottish travellers.

‘HPS welcomes the establishment of Snail and the opportunity to work with partners to continue to raise awareness of schistosomiasis and ensure best practice in testing, diagnosis and management across Scotland.’