[Rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis in Congo Brazzaville].

INTRODUCTION

A cross sectional study was carried out from the 6th of June to the 30th of September 2000 in order to determine the areas of transmission of onchocerciasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The method of rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis was used. The villages h ave first been identified on chart of 1/200000, and selected according to a reasoned choice. The sample was composed of 47 villages by geographical area, either 94 villages included in 37 districts of the 10 regions of the country. The survey consisted in a physical exam of 30 to 50 people aged 20 years and more according to a fraction of 1/5, and living since at least 10 years in these villages.

RESULTS

No local cases were found in the northern part of the country. Surveys conducted in the south part of the country were negative in Kouilou and Lékoumou areas and positive in Ndzouengue village of Pool (37.1%), in Kinkoula village of Bouenza (24.2%) and in Ngouele village of Niari (9.1%). Results of our survey confirm the high level of endemicity of onchocerciasis already observed in the previous studies.

CONCLUSION

This epidemiological study will contribute to involve population in a new strategy of community-directed treatment with ivermectin.