Prospects of schistosomiasis in the proposed Lake Mtera in Tanzania.

Pre-impoundment studies were conducted to determine the present and future schistosomiasis situation in the proposed man-made lake at Mtera, Tanzania. The population, at the time of the survey scattered in small villages, was estimated at 2000 people. The figure fluctuates with seasons and is higher during the rainy season when fishermen from the neighbouring districts go to the area to fish in the Ruahas. The bilharzia prevalence rates were low in the actual area to be under water but high in the neighbouring village of Kisima. Bulinus (Physopsis) nasutus snails were collected from several places in the area. The potential for other vectors and of the disease in the future Lake Mtera is discussed.