Infection Pattern of Schistoma Haematobium in Primary School Children of the Kumba Health District; South-West Cameroon

ABSTRACT

"Studies were carried out on 855 pupils of classes 3; 5 and 7 (age range 5-16 years) attending 17 primary schools in the Kumba Health District; Cameroon; to determine the infection pattern of Schistosoma haematobium in its different communities. The results reveal prevalence rates of 9.7for urinary schistosomiasis and 11.6for haemuturia. The focal area for Schistosomiasis was Barombi kotto with a prevalence rate of 75.9; a finding not significantly different from 78.2for haematuria. Low prevalence rates were recorded in the villages at the periphery of Barombi Kotto and also in the vicinity of Kumba town. Lake Barombi Kotto and ""Kumba Water"" were the main sources of infection in these areas. No significant differences in prevalence were observed between males and females or between children in the different classes surveyed. Age-specific evaluation revealed that peak infection was attained at /and 83.8respectively."