No, from reusing needles when they were being injected with the anti-parasite drug. The first generation were directly infected, then women passed the disease to their children.
Schistosomiasis used to be a common parasitic disease in Egypt acquired through swimming or wading in contaminated irrigation channels or standing water.
Widespread treatment campaigns were carried out in the countryside of Egypt in the 60’s-70’s and early 80’s. At the time of availability of only glass syringes, needles were routinely inadequately sterilized by boiling due to time restraints and limited resources.
Thank you for the explanation. Absolutely tragic.
I have had two friends die from Hep C. Long drawn out suffering. Three more friends have it. At least two from transfusions; others from decades ago drug use.