[Schistosoma japonicum in the newly identified areas in Hunan province].

OBJECTIVE

To study the major risk factors and characteristics of Schistosoma japonicum in the newly identified areas around the Dong Ting Lake.

METHODS

Data was collected regarding the distribution of snails, prevalence of infection as well as the source of transmission in the newly identified areas in Hunan province from 1979 to 2003.

RESULTS

In all the newly identified sites, Schistosomiasis japonica patients appeared to be the first-seen evidence, some even under acute phase. The highest infection rate among residents had reached 87.1% in the newly identified villages. Most of the new endemic areas concentrated in the ditch and beach areas that close to cities and towns.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence showed that snails had been transferred through boats and fishing nets to be disseminated. Data also revealed that the sources of transmission would include those local infected residents who had been infected in the old endemic areas and the newly imported domestic animals with infection.