7. Freshwater Snail
Estimated Deaths Per Year: ~10,000
Location: Africa, Asia, South America
Believe it or not, the common freshwater snail is one of the deadliest creatures on Earth — but not in the way you think. These snails carry parasitic worms that cause schistosomiasis, a disease that infects over 200 million people worldwide and kills thousands annually.
When people swim, bathe, or walk in contaminated water, the parasite enters the body through the skin. It then travels to organs like the liver, bladder, or intestines, causing long-term damage. While the snail itself isn’t aggressive, the disease it spreads can lead to severe illness or death over time.
Schistosomiasis causes symptoms such as fever, fatigue, blood in the urine, and eventually liver or kidney failure. Children are most vulnerable because they often play in rivers or lakes. Poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water are the main reasons for high infection rates.
Prevention involves improving water quality, educating communities, and providing medication. Efforts by WHO and other health organizations are helping, but the snail continues to be a silent killer in developing regions.
