[Acute schistosomiasis: fever and eosinophilia, with or without urticaria, after a trip to Africa].

Despite treatment for malaria two travellers who acquired fever in Africa continued to have complaints: a 25-year-old Dutch woman and a 25-year-old Australian man. On questioning they appeared to have swum in Lake Malawi and a diagnosis of acute schistosomiasis was made, confirmed by serological tests. This syndrome, also called Katayama fever, is characterized by fever, oedema, urticaria and eosinophilia. The aetiology is not fully elucidated but it is supposed to be caused by immune complexes initiated by maturing worms and eggs. Patients who acquired fever in an endemic area must be questioned about contact with fresh water. Serological tests are important for the diagnosis. Treatment is with praziquantel but it is advised to treat only after the acute phase. During the acute manifestations corticosteroids may be necessary. Prevention is by avoiding contact with infected water. There is no vaccine. The role of artemisinin drugs in prevention is currently being studied.