Abstract
BackgroundDespite significant, steady progress in schistosomiasis control in the People's Republic of China over the past 50 years, available data suggest that the disease has re-emerged with several outbreaks of acute infections in the early new century. In response, a new integrated strategy was introduced.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted between Jan 2005 and Dec 2012, to explore the effectiveness of a new integrated control strategy that was implemented by the national control program since 2004.ResultsA total of 1,047 acute cases were recorded between 2005 and 2012, with an annual reduction in prevalence of 97.7%. The proportion of imported cases of schistosomiasis was higher in 2011 and 2012. Nine clusters of acute infections were detected by spatio-temporal analysis between June and November, indicating that the high risk areas located in the lake and marshland regions.ConclusionThis study shows that the new integrated strategy has played a key role in reducing the morbidity of schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis japonica, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, is a serious parasitic zoonosis threatening millions of people in the Southeast Asia, including the Peoples’ Republic of China
The development of an effective schistosomiasis control program gained in importance and the State Council issued the national medium and long-term strategic work plan in 2004 for schistosomiasis control to be achieved by 2015
The current strategy is focused on control of infection sources, a shift from the earlier strategy of morbidity control [5,6], in order to strengthen the implementation of integrated measures aiming to reduce the transmission of S. japonicum from cattle and humans to snails [7]
Summary
Schistosomiasis japonica, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, is a serious parasitic zoonosis threatening millions of people in the Southeast Asia, including the Peoples’ Republic of China The development of an effective schistosomiasis control program gained in importance and the State Council issued the national medium and long-term strategic work plan in 2004 for schistosomiasis control to be achieved by 2015. By the end of 2008 the medium term goal was achieved, i.e., infection controlled with a prevalence rate less than 5% without any outbreak of acute schistosomiasis in all endemic areas, and achievement of transmission control with a prevalence rate less than 1% both in humans and reservoir hosts in the mountainous areas (Sichuan and Yunnan provinces) [15]. In. Despite significant, steady progress in schistosomiasis control in the People’s Republic of China over the past 50 years, available data suggest that the disease has re-emerged with several outbreaks of acute infections in the early new century.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
