- In countries where the disease is endemic, avoid contact with fresh water (there is no risk in sea water) – see IAMAT's publication WORLD SCHISTOSOMIASIS RISK CHART. There will be situations where you will be tempted to disregard this simple advice.
- If you are planning a trip into the jungle or desert, make sure it is a short one, so that you can withstand the heat and are not tempted to cool off in a pond or stream. Make sure you do not run out of purified water.
- If you must pass through streams or swamps, wear high waterproof boots or hip waders.
- Stay away from the banks of streams and rivers; snails abound in shallow water where they feed on organic waste and aquatic vegetation. Snail presence is minimal in the center of rivers and streams where the water flow is faster.
- Avoid contact with fresh water during peak daylight hours when the cercariae emerge from the snails and are most active.
- If you accidentally come into contact with fresh water, rub your skin immediately with rubbing alcohol and a dry towel to reduce the possibility of infection.
- If you are travelling overland by car, carry a pair of rubber gloves in case you have to dip your hands into a stream or pond to get water for the radiator.
- Water from a river or lake used for bathing and washing should be boiled or chlorinated.
- Water for washing and bathing is relatively safe if it has been stored for 2-3 days (the period generally accepted as the life span of cercariae), provided that the container is free of snails.
- Drinking water should be boiled for 10 minutes or treated with chlorine tables, as the cercariae may burrow through the mucosa of the mouth.
- Make sure vegetables are well cooked and avoid salads since the leaves may have been washed with infected water. See advice on water and food precautions in IAMAT's 24 WORLD CLIMATE AND FOOD SAFETY CHARTS.