YANGON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Over 400 schistosomiasis cases have been reported in Myanmar's Rakhine state following a field visit by a health technical team comprising experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Myanmar Health and Sports Ministry, Myanmar News Agency reported Monday.

The team's experts reported that there were 828 suspected patients and 428 patients diagnosed with the disease in Mrauk U and Sittwe of Rakhine state as of mid-August.

Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by parasitic worms released by freshwater snails.

After finding the outbreak of the disease, the technical teams suggested to form a schistosomiasis special control team to implement preventive measures and awareness campaigns of the disease and carry out laboratory test, treatment and research in an effective way.

The team stressed the need to map out freshwater snail habitats which are vulnerable to infection and formulate a plan and suitable strategy to fight the disease.

The team also called for disseminating health information to students and carrying out school health activities involving the participation of public health staff and technical officers.

The WHO has provided pharmaceuticals and technical aid following the outbreak of schistosomiasis to help Myanmar in treatment.??