The incubation time for schistosomiasis rarely reaches 30 years, with the shortest incubation period for schistosomiasis being around 10 days and the longest around 90 days.
Chronic schistosomiasis infection is most common in persistently exposed individuals in endemic areas. However, chronic infection can also occur in people with transient exposure (e.g., travelers). Disease severity is related to the number of eggs deposited in the tissues, the anatomical site of their distribution, the duration and intensity of infection, and the host’s immune response.
Once schistosome eggs follow the bloodstream and invade the body’s organs, even during the incubation period, they can induce liver and spleen enlargement, and if the disease continues to worsen, it may cause portal hypertension and complications such as ascites, and may even lead to death.
Schistosomiasis can be a serious health hazard, once diagnosed, it is recommended to actively receive treatment.