Urinary schistosomiasis in school children of a southern nigerian community 8 years after the provision of potable water.

BACKGROUND

Urinary schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases, is a major infection of public health importance in Nigeria. Control measures include the provision of potable water as the main strategy, population-based chemotherapy and health education.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the provision of potable water on the prevalence and intensity of infection with Schistosoma haematobium in Adim community, Cross River State, Nigeria.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among school and children aged 5-14 years in Adim community in Cross River State using the polyamide millipore filter technique and ova detection and count compared with the situation that obtained 8 years earlier before the provision of potable water. The prevalence and intensity of haematuria and proteinuria by reagent strips were also compared between the two eras.

RESULTS

The prevalence of schistosomiasis was 14.5% compared to 51% in the prepotable water era (P = 0.001). The intensity of the infection was also significantly reduced between the two eras with 1.3% of the children having a severe intensity compared to 4.5% in the prepotable water era.

CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium have significantly reduced in this community though not yet eliminated. More boreholes need to be provided to make the water more accessible. This could be combined with other measures to eradicate S. haematobium from this community.