A single case of acute schistosomiasis was reported in Shanghai Municipality, as the local health bureau issued a precaution to prevent the outbreak of the epidemic Thursday.

The infected is a male university student who was touring regions where schistosomiasis epidemic situation is reported. He had a high fever after returned to Shanghai.

After medical examination, the patient was confirmed to be infected by the epidemic, a tropical disease caused by schistosomes, or worms parasitic in the blood of human beings and mammals.

The Health Bureau warned the citizens to be alert, but also reassured residents that the epidemic can be prevented and cured.

The epidemic won't transmit directly from infected humans or animals to healthy humans or animals, experts said.

The epidemic, characterized by infection and gradual destruction of the tissues of human kidneys, liver and other organs, has been widespread in China.

In Shanghai, the disease was exterminated 20 years ago. But the surrounding 12 provinces and cities are still attempting to contain the disease.

Source: Xinhua