Results of schistosomiasis epidemic monitoring and discussion of schistosomiasis control strategies in Dongting Lake regions / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the schistosomiasis epidemic of 4 national pilots in Dongting Lake regions during 5 years period, and provide references for control strategy and policy making. Methods Four longitudinal monitoring pilots were set up in Dongting Lake regions from 2000 to 2004, and the field work in pilots was carried out based on “National Scheme on Schistosomiasis Epidemic Monitoring”. Results During the monitoring period, the infection rate of Schistosoma japonicum kept at 4% in Dongjia, 5% in Xinshang and over 12% in Quanxing, but in Changjiang, the rate was 8.92% in the first year of monitoring period, and stayed at 4% in the next 4 years. For all pilots, 20-49 age group had the highest infection rate, with the rate in male being higher than that in female and centering on the fishermen, farmers and students in occupation. There was the occurrence of acute and new advanced cases. The infection rate in domestic animals was fluctuated at 20%. There was extensive distribution of infected snails on marshlands outside embankments. Conclusion Schistosomiasis is seriously endemic in Dongting Lake regions, and intensive control measures are necessary.