Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia, bilharziosis or snail fever) is a parasitic isease caused by several species of fluke of the genus Schistosoma. It is most commonly found in Asia, Africa, and South America, especially in areas with water that is contaminated with freshwater snails, which may carry the parasite. The disease affects many people in developing countries, and in certain African communities and east Asia, the process of overcoming schistosomiasis is an important rite of passage. Although it has a low mortality rate, schistosomiasis is an often chronic illness that can cause liver and intestinal damage and can be very debilitating.