What stage follows the shedding of larvae into water in the schistosome life cycle?

The stage that follows the shedding of larvae into water in the schistosome life cycle is when the larvae actively penetrate the skin of humans. This larval form, known as cercariae, is released from infected snails into freshwater and can swim freely. Upon contact with human skin, cercariae can burrow into the skin and enter the host's body. This crucial step is necessary for the parasite's development and eventual maturation within its definitive host. Understanding this lifecycle stage highlights the importance of avoiding contact with contaminated water bodies to prevent infection.

The other options describe stages of the life cycle that occur at different points. Larvae developing within snails happens earlier in the cycle, while adult migration and egg shedding occur later after the larvae have successfully infected a human host and matured into adults.