How is schistosomiasis primarily transmitted?

Schistosomiasis is primarily transmitted through skin penetration from freshwater that is home to specific types of parasitic worms known as schistosomes. When a person comes into contact with contaminated water, these parasites can penetrate the skin, leading to infection. This transmission occurs in areas where freshwater sources, such as lakes and rivers, are infested with the free-swimming larvae of the parasites.

Understanding the correct transmission route is crucial for prevention efforts. Schistosomiasis does not spread through airborne particles or contaminated food, nor is it transmitted by mosquito bites. Instead, the focus should be on reducing exposure to contaminated freshwater and implementing measures to control the snail populations that harbor the larval forms of the schistosomes, which are integral in the transmission cycle of the disease.