Cercarial infection in water environments by non-human schistosome species causes dermatologic burden to nearby swimmers, fishermen and farmers.
Released cercariae travel and infect nearby non-human mammals or birds, depending on species, or accidental hosts such as humans.
[4][5] Dermatitis can also be seen following exposure to the cercariae of schistosome species that cause patent infections in humans (schistosomiasis) in endemic areas.
[6] Among fish, infection beneath the scale bedding by cercariae of other trematode species can result in black spot disease.
[11] Rotifers (Rotaria rotatoria) produce a chemical, Schistosome Paralysis Factor, that suppresses cercaria swimming and reduces infections.