SCI seizes the opportunity to engage with the general public to talk about water and its role as a transmitter of parasitic diseases

Imperial Fringe is a series of public events exploring the unexpected side of science, based on Imperial College London’s ground-breaking research.

This event was an opportunity for researchers and students across Imperial College London to talk about water and its role as a source of life, energy, agriculture, health and disease. 

Keeping to this watery theme, the SCI team got stuck right in, telling guests about the inextricable link between  schistosomiasis and fresh water sources.

Liz Hollenberg, one of the team’s programme managers, demonstrated to children and adults alike how easy it is to get infected with schistosomiasis through everyday activities, from fetching water to fishing. 

Through the fun ‘Find a snail’ game, Liz showed guests that the simple act of sticking their hands in water to catch ‘infected-snails’ could pass the parasite on to them, as the microscopic cercariae (larval form of the parasite) swim through water and can burrow through unbroken skin.

Other SCI team members, including researchers and programme managers, were also on-hand to answer questions from guests.

Discussions centred around the work of SCI in assisting mass-drug administration programmes to control and eliminate schistosomiasis as well as the harmful short and long-term effects of the disease, including lethargy, anaemia and bladder cancer, if left untreated. 

SCI, always keen on introducing people to the relatively unknown neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with so many guests. 

Click here to read about the other groups that participated in Imperial Fringe ‘Water Water Everywhere’.

Click here to see what incredible events are coming up at Imperial College London.