ABSTRACT
A nationwide survey of human parasites in China was conducted during 1988-1992, with a coverage of 30 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities (P/A/M). A total of 2,848 pilot sites in 726 counties were selected by random sampling, and 1,477,742 individuals residing on were surveyed by fecal examination. The status of paragonimiasis, hydatid diseases, cysticercosis and trichinellosis were summarized through data review. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 62.6% whereas at provincial level, the highest infection rate (94.7%) was recovered in Hainan, and the lowest (17.5%) in Heilong-jiang. A high proportion (43.3%) of polyparasitism among the infected population (882,080) was revealed. Altogether 56 species of parasites comprising protozoa (19), trematode (16), cestodes (8), nematodes (12) and thorny-headed worm (1) were discovered. During the survey a new species and several new records were documented. The number of the population infected with common intestinal parasites was estimated. The diversities of parasite distribution were noted in different nationalities as well as in varied occupations.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , China/epidemiology , Feces/parasitology , Female , Health Surveys , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Occupations , Parasitic Diseases/epidemiology , Pilot Projects , Population Surveillance/methods , Prevalence , Residence Characteristics , Sampling StudiesABSTRACT
Malaria is one of the major parasitic diseases in China. During the past 40 years, large scale malaria control activities were conducted in the country relying on primary health care nets and community participation. The control of malaria was implemented according to the principles of adopting integrated measures and repeated practices which are characterized by time- and locality-oriented approaches. As a result, remarkable success has been achieved. By the end of 1990, there were 117,000 malaria cases in China, with a morbidity of 0.0106%, which dropped by 95% in comparison with that in the 1950s. Most of the original hyper-endemic areas became meso- or hypo-endemic and for most of the previously meso- or hypo-endemic areas, the disease became sporadic. Malaria distribution and epidemic patterns also demonstrated great changes. The major experience comprises the integration of the malaria control program into the overall national health program, the mobilization of various sectors, including the community, the investigators and technical personnel in research institutions and control services to participate and cooperate in solving problems and difficulties encountered.