Effect of schistosomiasis control in Yangxin County, Hubei Province, 2004-2015

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of schistosomiasis control and prevention in Yangxin County from 2004 to 2015, so as to provide the evidence for improving the work of schistosomiasis transmission interrupted and elimination in the future. According to the endemic types and endemic regularity of schistosomiasis in Yangxin County, the comprehensive control strategies were adopted, and the programs related to sanitation, water conservancy, forestry, and agriculture were implemented continuously. The schistosomiasis control effects in this county from 2004 to 2015 were analyzed and compared. After the implementation of the schistosomiasis comprehensive control strategies in Yangxin County, the calculated number of patients reduced from 22 240 in 2004 to 1 471 in 2015, the infection rate of residents reduced from 8.57% in 2004 to 0.16% in 2015, the number of patients with acute schistosome infection reduced from 64 in 2004 to 0, and no cases of acute schistosomiasis found since 2009. The infection rate of cattle decreased from 8.87% in 2004 to 0. The area with Oncomelania hupensis snails and the area of susceptible zone reduced from 3 446.21 hm2 and 1 111.59 hm2 in 2004 to 2 285.75 hm2 and 41.28 hm2 in 2015 respectively, and the schistosome-infection rate of snails reduced from 0.76% in 2004 to 0. Since the comprehensive control strategy implemented from 2004, the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Yangxin County has decreased significantly. However, the harness force of the Fu River as well as the control of infection source of livestock still should be strengthened to consolidate the control achievement.