Ecology of schistosomiasis in Indonesia with certain aspects of control.

Intensive studies on schistosomiasis in Indonesia were carried out since 1971. During this period studies on epidemiology of the disease, ecology of the intermediate host and pilot control trials were conducted. In 1975 a schistosomiasis pilot control measures in two endemic villages of Lindu Valley to develop rational and effective methods for schistosomiasis control under local conditions was initiated. The results showed some improvements of sanitation, snail habitats, decreased infection rates among the human population as well as among the rats and the snails. The increase in travel and better transportation, and development of transmigration programmes in recent years in the endemic areas cause some concern, and prevention of the spread of the disease was discussed.