A 4-year-old boy in Phu Tho, Vietnam, was rushed to the hospital after his family noticed strange, winding marks appearing on the palm of his hand.

Just days earlier, the boy had been playing in a pile of sand. A small scratch between his fingers had seemed minor and harmless at first—but soon afterward, unusual “winding tracks” began to spread across his palm. Concerned, his family brought him to Hung Vuong General Hospital in Phu Tho.

Test results revealed the surprising culprit: schistosome larvae that had entered through the skin. According to his parents, the infection likely began when he was playing in contaminated sand or water.

What Are Schistosomes?

Doctors explained that schistosomes are parasitic worms that live in contaminated fresh water. Their larvae can penetrate human skin, especially through small cuts or abrasions, when children bathe or play in dirty water.

Once inside the body, adult schistosomes live in blood vessels and lay eggs. These eggs can trigger inflammation, tissue damage, and long-term complications affecting the liver, spleen, intestines, and bladder.

Symptoms and Risks

Early (acute) symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Rashes or itching

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Coughing

If left untreated, chronic schistosomiasis can lead to:

• Enlarged liver or spleen

• Anemia

• Digestive problems

• Blood in the stool or urine

Because the disease progresses slowly, it is often mistaken for other digestive or liver conditions.

Doctor’s Advice

Medical experts strongly warn against allowing children to swim, bathe, or play in contaminated fresh water. They recommend:

• Ensuring children only use clean water sources

• Maintaining good hygiene and sanitation around the home

• Regular deworming and parasite prevention in at-risk communities

The boy is now receiving treatment, but doctors emphasize that prevention is the best protection.