Schistosomiasis Prevention Research Articles

Strategy and effect of Oncomelania hupensis snail control in inside-embankment areas in Junshan District, Hunan Province from 1998 to 2017

To explore the strategy and countermeasures of Oncomelania hupensis snail control and evaluate the effect in inside-embankment areas of lake-type schistosomiasis endemic area, for providing the effective method for controlling and interrupting the schistosomiasis transmission. The data of schistosomiasis epidemic and its control and prevention were collected in Junshan District, Hunan Province, and the effect of snail control countermeasures were evaluated and the trend of indexes of snails was drafted in the inside-embankment areas of Junshan District, Hunan Province from 1998 to 2007. The area with snails in the inside embankment areas of Junshan District decreased by 98.43%, from 1 496.66 hm2 in 1998 to 23.48 hm2 in 2017. The occurrence rate and average density of of living snails decreased from 20.61% and 0.45 snail/0.1 m2 in 2003 to 2.06% and 0.03 snail/0.1 m2 in 2017. The highest area with schistosome infected snails was found in 2001 and the total area was 79.36 hm2, however, no infected snails were found since 2007. The total fiscal investment for schistosomiasis prevention and control was 398.857 million RMB in Junshan District, including molluscicide (81.770 9 million RMB) and environment reform (213.5 million RMB) respectively. The comprehensive measures, mainly including the combination of molluscicide and environment reform have gotten a significant effect in snail control and elimination in the inside-embankment areas, but the snail surveillance still need to be strengthened in the historic areas with snails.

Analysis of epidemic situation of schistosomiasis in Wuhu County from 2012 to 2016

Objective To analyze the epidemic situation of schistosomiasis in Wuhu County from 2012 to 2016, so as to provide the reference for adjusting the control strategy. Methods The data of schistosomiasis prevention and control in Wuhu County from 2012 to 2016 were collected and longitudinally analyzed. Results Since 2013, the average infection rate of schistosomiasis in the population decreased year by year, and the infection rate decreased to 0 in 2016. Since 2012, the infection rate of livestock was 0. The area with Oncomelania hupensis snails decreased year by year, but it drastically rebounded in 2016. No schistosome-infected snails were found since 2012. Conclusions Schistosomiasis epidemic is effectively controlled in Wuhu County, but there is a possibility of recovery. In the next stage, we should focus on strengthening the control of snails and imported infectious sources in order to consolidate the achievements of prevention and control.

Urinary schistosomiasis among vulnerable children in a rehabilitation home in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a disease of public health importance with long term complications mostly common among children, rural dwellers, poor and migrant workers. Studies have not documented the burden among migrant workers and their families. The study aimed to describe the burden of schistosomiasis and demographic characteristics among children of migrant workers residing in a rehabilitation home in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study using sixty six children, who were tested following complaints of haematuria by six of them. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic and environmental characteristics of the children and urine microscopy, was conducted. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation. Statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsMean age of respondents was 11.8 ± 4.0 years and 57.6% were males. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was 19.7% with preponderance among males (64.3%) and children aged 12 years and above (71.4%); 85.7% of infected children were from Kwara State; 78.6% waded in water body and 92.9% had red blood cells and pus cells on urine microscopy.ConclusionsThe burden of schistosomiasis is high among children of migrant workers and they serve as reservoirs for transmission of the disease. Government needs to work synergistically with NGOs, FBOs and other partners to achieve schistosomiasis prevention and control among this particular group.

Development and testing of Schisto and Ladders\u2122, an innovative health educational game for control of schistosomiasis in schoolchildren

BackgroundSchistosomiasis remains a public health problem in many regions of the world, including Nigeria. Current control strategy involves mass drug administration with praziquantel to the endemic population. To complement and sustain on-going preventive chemotherapy, we developed a health educational game named Schisto and Ladders™ and tested its potential for the control of schistosomiasis among schoolchildren living in Imala-Odo, a highly endemic community near Abeokuta, Nigeria.MethodsOne hundred school children were randomly selected and divided into intervention and control groups through balloting. Their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) concerning schistosomiasis transmission, control and prevention were assessed using structured questionnaires. Schisto and Ladders™ game were given to the intervention group and the popular Snake and Ladders™ game to the control group. Both games were played for 2 months under the supervision of their class teachers. A post-KAP assessment was carried out in both groups, including focus group discussions (FGDs) to investigate knowledge and the impact of the games.ResultsKnowledge about urinary schistosomiasis and its transmission significantly improved (P = 0.000) in the intervention group (68.0%) compared to the control group (8.0%). FGDs showed that the frequency of visits to dam water also significantly reduced (P = 0.048) in the intervention group (18.0%) compared to the control group (40.0%). There was a significant increase in knowledge regarding risk behaviours, prevention and control of schistosomiasis among the intervention group, but no new knowledge gained in the control group.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential of the health education game Schisto and Ladders™ for teaching basic health education and promoting behavioural changes among schoolchildren in endemic communities.

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

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.

Survey of schistosomiasis KAP and influencing factors of behaviors among residents in Jiangsu Province

To understand the schistosomiasis control knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and influencing factors of behaviors among residents in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the evidence for making effective health education and health promotion models. The probability proportionate to size sampling (PPS) and multi-stage sampling methods were adopted to sample the research objects. A questionnaire survey of schistosomiasis control KAP was conducted in the residents of 16 to 69 years old in schistosomiasis endemic areas of Jiangsu Province, and the results were statistically analyzed. The total awareness rate of the participants was 95.98% for schistosomiasis control knowledge. The correct rates of attitude and practice were 89.06% and 77.43%, respectively. The awareness/correct rates of knowledge, attitude and practice reduced in turns significantly (χ2 =1 282.96, P < 0.01). The knowledge awareness rate of fishermen and boatmen was 90.98%, but their attitude correct rate was only 53.81% ( χ2 =120.52, P < 0.01). The unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that with the education level increasing, their practice correct rate rose, and the participants with the college degree or above had a higher correct rate compared to illeterate ones (OR = 6.411, 95% CI: 4.896-8.395). The practice correct rate of the fisher-men and boatmen was only 5.1% of the rate of the farmers (OR = 0.051, 95% CI: 0.029-0.091). The total awareness rate of basic knowledge of schistosomiasis prevention and control in the residents of Jiangsu Province has reached the requirements in the "National Schistosomiasis Control Long-term Planning Outline (2004-2015)", but the correct rate of behaviors is low. The education level, occupation and residential areas affect the health behaviors of schistosomiasis prevention and control. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out targeted health promotion activities to promote the formation of healthy lifestyle and behaviors.

Challenges and countermeasures for water conservancy combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control in China in new era

The spread of schistosomiasis seriously threaten the health of people and hinder the economic and social development in China. The water conservancy combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control effectively controlled the spread of schistosomiasis by controlling the spread of Oncomelania hupensis, the only intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum. This paper reviews the evolution of the strategy of schistosomiasis prevention and control in China and points out the historical role of water conservancy combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control. Furthermore, this article analyzes the problems and challenges of water conservancy combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control in the new period. In response to the challenges, the new strategy of water conservancy combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control is put forward, including: developing the research of the new strategy of water conservancy combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control, enhancing the research of water conservancy technology combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control, improving the efficiency and applicability of water conservancy projects combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control, strengthening the guidance of water conservancy technology combined with schistosomiasis prevention and control, and perfecting the evaluation system.

Oncomelania hupensis status monitoring in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2016

Objective To analyze the Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution and the changes of snail situation in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis prevention and control interventions. Methods The data of snail monitoring in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016 were collected and statistically analyzed. Results The total area with snails was 40.17 hm2 and the newly discovered area was 30.63 hm2 in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016. In the four years, 3 454 snails were dissected, and no schistosome infected snails were found. There were totally 51 spots with snails, and the areas with snails of different types of marshland, inland and mountain were 12.13 (30.19%), 25.54 hm2 (63.57%) and 2.51 hm2 (6.24%), respectively. In the newly discovered snail environment, the areas of types of marshland and inland were 8.00 hm2 (26.12%) and 22.63 hm2 (73.88%), respectively. The main causes for snail existence were external input and adjacent diffusion. In the past four years, the total snail control area with molluscicides was 71.74 hm2, the consolidated snail control area with molluscicides was 155.15 hm2, and the total environmental modification areas in the current snail spots and historic snail spots were 15.90 hm2 and 11.30 hm2 respectively. Conclusion The diffusion of snails in inland rivers is the key of the newly discovered snail areas in Changzhou City in recent years, and the snail monitoring and control measures should be strengthened in the future.

Retrospective analysis of schistosomiasis elimination history in Jingxi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

To understand the schistosomiasis epidemic and control history in Jingxi City, so as to provide the evidence for improving the future work. The data of schistosomiasis prevention and control work were collected and analyzed comprehensively in Jingxi City from 1956-2015. From 1956, the schistosomiasis prevention and control work carried out, and in 1985, Jingxi City reached the standard of schistosomiasis transmission interrupted and no local schistosome infected residents and livestock were found for 36 years. In May 2016, the city reached the national standard of Schistosomiasis Elimination Assessment Review. The cumulative number of schistosomiasis detection of residents was 348 801 person-times, and 10 434 schistosomiasis patients were found. The cumulative number of schistosomiasis detection of cattle was 20 674 head-times, and 590 schistosome infected cattle were found. The cumulative schistosomiasis treatment number of residents was 18739 person-times, and 512 cattle were treated. The cumulative detection area with Oncomelania hupensis was 65 213.25 hm2, and 353.80 hm2 area with O. hupensis snails was found. Jingxi City has reached the standard of schistosomiasis elimination, but there is still recurrence of O. hupensis snails, and the imported infection source exists. Therefore, we should strengthen the monitoring of floating population.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Schistosomiasis Among Children in Northern Senegal

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease in Senegal. The early symptoms are hematuria and dysuria. Children's comprehension of the disease is fundamental to preventing the infection. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in 2 rural villages in Northern Senegal and to evaluate their impact on the disease. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Data about children's knowledge of schistosomiasis, behavior, and preventive measures were collected through a questionnaire. FindingsQuestionnaire responses from 575 schoolchildren were analyzed. Correct answers about risky behavior for schistosomiasis were associated with early symptoms (P = 0.010). Wearing shoes and washing hands with soap were associated with not having hematuria and dysuria (P = 0.007 and 0.049, respectively). Playing in rivers was associated with the aforementioned symptoms (P < 0.001). Children who had good knowledge of schistosomiasis reportedly did not have symptoms (P = 0.002). A logistic regression model showed that female sex (odds ratio = 0.35; P = 0.01) and attending a primary school (odds ratio = 0.13; P < 0.001) were significant predictors of a lower risk of the early symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis. ConclusionsThis study revealed that the level of knowledge among children in North Senegal about the causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment of schistosomiasis warrants implementing educational intervention.

Detection of Schistosoma Antibodies and exploration of associated factors among local residents around Inlay Lake, Southern Shan State, Myanmar

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Its transmission has been reported in 78 countries affecting at least 258 million people world-wide. It was documented that S. japonicum species was prevalent in Shan State, Myanmar, but the serological study was not conducted yet. General objective of the present study was to detect schistosoma antibodies and explore associated factors among local residents living around Inlay Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, and Southern Shan State, Myanmar.MethodsAn exploratory and cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among local residents (n = 315) in selected rural health center (RHC) areas from December 2012 through June 2013. The participants were interviewed with pretested semi-structured questionnaires and their blood samples (serum) were tested using Schistosomiasis Serology Microwell ELISA test kits (sensitivity 100% and specificity 85%) which detected IgG antibodies but could not distinguish between a new and past infection. Data collected were analysed by SPSS software 16.0 and associations of variables were determined by Chi-squared test with a significant level set at 0.05.ResultsSchistosoma seroprevalence (IgG) in study area was found to be 23.8% (95% CI: 18.8–28.8%). The present study is the first and foremost study producing serological evidence of schistosoma infection—one of the neglected tropical diseases—in local people of Myanmar. The factors significantly associated with seropositivity were being male [OR = 2.6 (95% CI: 1.5–4.49), P < 0.001], residence [OR = 3.41 (95% CI: 1.6-7.3), P < 0.05 for Khaung Daing vs. Min Chaung] and education levels [OR = 4.5 (95% CI: 1.18–17.16),P < 0.05 for illiterate/3Rs level vs. high/graduate and OR = 3.16 (95% CI: 1.26–7.93),P < 0.05 for primary/middle level vs. high/graduate] all factors classically associated with risk of schistosoma infection. None of the behavioural factors tested were significantly associated with seropositivity.ConclusionSchistosoma infection serologically detected was most probably present at some time in this location of Myanmar, and this should be further confirmed parasitologically and kept under surveillance. Proper trainings on diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of schistosomiasis should be provided to the healthcare providers.

Evaluation of protective efficacy induced by different heterologous prime-boost strategies encoding triosephosphate isomerase against Schistosoma japonicum in mice

BackgroundIn China, schistosomiasis japonica is a predominant zoonotic disease, and animal reservoir hosts in the environment largely sustain infections. The development of transmission-blocking veterinary vaccines is urgently needed for the prevention and efficient control of schistosomiasis. Heterologous prime-boost strategy is more effective than traditional vaccination and homologous prime-boost strategies against multiple pathogens infection. In the present study, to further improve protective efficacy, we immunized mice with three types of heterologous prime-boost combinations based on our previously constructed vaccines that encode triosphate isomerase of Schistosoma japonicum, tested the specific immune responses, and evaluated the protective efficacy through challenge infection in mice.MethodsDNA vaccine (pcDNA3.1-SjTPI.opt), adenoviral vectored vaccine (rAdV-SjTPI.opt), and recombinant protein vaccine (rSjTPI) were prepared and three types of heterologous prime-boost combinations, including DNA i.m. priming-rAdV i.m. boosting, rAdV i.m. priming-rAdV s.c. boosting, and rAdV i.m. priming-rSjTPI boosting strategies, were carried out. The specific immune responses and protective efficacies were evaluated in BALB/c miceResultsResults show that different immune profiles and various levels of protective efficacy were elicited by using different heterologous prime-boost combinations. A synergistic effect was observed using the DNA i.m. priming-rAdV i.m. boosting strategy; however, its protective efficacy was similar to that of rAdV i.m. immunization. Conversely, an antagonistic effect was generated by using the rAd i.m. priming-s.c. boosting strategy. However, the strategy, with rAdV i.m. priming- rSjTPI s.c. boosting, generated the most optimal protective efficacy and worm or egg reduction rate reaching up to 70% in a mouse model.ConclusionsA suitable immunization strategy, rAdV i.m. priming-rSjTPI boosting strategy, was developed, which elicits a high level of protective efficacy against Schistosoma japonicum infection in mice.

Knowledge, attitude and practice related to schistosomiasis control among rural residents in Wanjiang River region after a flood

To investigate the status of knowledge, attitude and behavior of schistosomiasis control of rural residents in Wanjiang River region after a flood, so as to provide the reference for targeted health education. The multistage sampling was applied to select the respondents in rural residents in Wanjiang River region, and the self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the current situation of knowledge, attitude and behavior of schistosomiasis prevention and control of the rural residents. The total awareness rate of knowledge about the prevention and control of schistosomiasis was 47.92%. The age, education, family income, relatives and friends with medical background, and health education significantly influenced the awareness rate (χ2 = 12.76, 89.19, 18.19, 50.83 and 92.60 respectively, all P < 0.05). The accuracy rates of attitude and behavior in schistosomiasis control were 62.89% and 52.37% respectively. The awareness rate of knowledge about the prevention and control of schistosomiasis, and the accuracy rates of attitude and behavior in schistosomiasis control of the rural residents in Wanjiang River region are all inefficient, and therefore, the targeted health education should be strengthened to decrease the risk of schistosomiasis transmission.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Antischistosomal Drugs and Agents

Schistosomiasis is a notable neglected tropical disease caused by trematodes that infect mainly the intestines, bladder, and liver. Because of the unavailability of a schistosomiasis vaccine, control of the disease depends mainly on chemotherapy. Praziquantel (PZQ), which is active against all schistosome species (Among the five major species of human schistosomes-S. mansoni, S. haematobium, S. japonicum, S. intercalatum, and S. mekongi, S. mansoni is the most prevalent) as well as probably their hybrids and the recommended drug by the World Health Organization for schistosomiasis treatment at either the community or individual level, has become the exclusive drug because of its low cost and efficacy against the adult form of all schistosome species. In view of rapid re-infection following treatment and concern about the development of tolerance and/or resistance to praziquantel, there is an urgent need for research and development of novel drugs for the prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis. This comprehensive review shall attempt to briefly review the recent advances in the synthesis of antischistosomal drugs and agents in the literature from 1990s to now, particularly focusing on the context of potential development of antischistosomal agents. It shall be of interest for the pharmacologist.

Factors associated with Schistosomiasis outbreak at Omindamba primary school, Omusati region, Namibia: a case-control study, March 2016

IntroductionOn march 2, 2016, the principal of Omindamba primary school in Outapi district notified the Outapi hospital of a cluster of students complaining of dysuria and passing bloody urine. We conducted an investigation to identify the agent, source of infection, and to determine factors associated with the outbreak.MethodsAn unmatched 1:1 case-control study was conducted. A case was defined as any student of Omindamba primary school, who passed bloody urine with or without dysuria or lower abdominal pains from 2nd- 4th March 2016, during the time of the investigation. A control was a classmate of a case. We collected demographic, clinical and environmental data.Results125 cases and 125 controls were enrolled into the study. The mean age for cases was 11.3 years and controls was 11.0 years, with standard deviation of 3.2 years in both cases and controls. The most affected age group was 11-15 years with 63 (50.4%) cases, followed by 6-10 years with 51(40.8%) cases. Schistosoma hematobium was isolated in the urine specimens examined. Swimming in the canal (adjusted OR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.14-11.2; p-value = 0.03), and using Etaka pond as a source of water (adjusted OR = 1.95; 95% CI = 1.09-3.50, p-value = 0.02) were independent factors associated with contracting schistosomiasis.ConclusionThe Schistosomiasis outbreak among the school children was caused by Schistosoma hematobium. Swimming in the canal and using Etaka pond as a source of drinking water were the predictive factors for the infection. A community-based health education on the prevention of Schistosomiasis was implemented.

Investigation on knowledge, attitude, and practice of schistosomiasis prevention and control and infection status in Armed Police Forces stationed along Yangtze River

To understand the status of knowledge, attitude, and practice of schistosomiasis prevention and control and infection status in Armed Police Forces stationed along the Yangtze River, so as to provide the reference for formulating the schistosomiasis prevention and control measures in Armed Police Forces. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the Armed Police Forces along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, and the investigation content included social demographic data, schistosomiasis prevention knowledge, attitude and behavior. All the subjects were examined for Schistosoma japonicum infection. Totally 376 soldiers were investigated in 2 sites. The total passing rate of schistosomiasis knowledge was 72.87%. The passing rate among different age groups had no significant difference ( χ2 =0.26, P > 0.05). The passing rate of soldiers from endemic areas was significantly higher than that of the soldiers from non-endemic areas ( χ2 =4.71, P < 0.05). The passing rate of officers was significantly higher than that of the soldiers (χ2 = 4.21, P < 0.05). The passing rate of soldiers with the education levels of junior school, high school, college, undergraduate and above increased gradually, with a significant difference (χ2 =8.16, P < 0.05). The soldiers with positive attitude accounted for 93.88%. Among the water contact behaviors, training accounted for 17.55% and participating in the task (such as flood fighting and water work) accounted for 86.44%. When launching, the rate of taking protective measures was 52.93%. The rate of taking protective measures in the knowledge passing group was much higher than that in the knowledge failed group (χ2 =10.55, P < 0.05). The stool was harmlessly treated in the two camps. Among 376 soldiers, the positive rate of blood examinations was 0.53%, but the stool examinations were all negative. The overall level of knowledge and correct behavior of schistosomiasis prevention in the Armed Police Forces along the Yangtze River still should be improved. The better health education and behavior intervention are crucial to schistosomiasis prevention in the army.

Challenges and countermeasures of forestry schistosomiasis control programs in ecological priority of Yangtze River economic belt development

Relevant projects carried out within the Yangtze River economic belt on the impact of schistosomiasis epidemic and transmission are important issues for "ecological priority" in the process of implementing the strategy. The key problems of schistosomiasis epidemic risk, epidemic happening repeatedly, difficulty of rehabilitating Oncomelania hupensis snail control and schistosomiasis prevention forest, lag of evaluation system and platform construction, lack of basic research, et al. were analyzed in the Yangtze River economic belt taking "ecological priority" as the basis in this paper. Then corresponding countermeasures to these challenges were put forward so as to provide the reference for the national forestry schistosomiasis control programs, which include: execution of the comprehensive prevention and control strategy, scheming of the new round of forestry schistosomiasis control programs, strengthening schistosomiasis prevention and control, promoting productivity in existing forestry to consolidate and improve the achievements of previous forestry schistosomiasis control programs, and promoting the intensity of technological innovation to improve the technological level of forestry schistosomiasis control programs.

Schistosomiasis control progress and endemic situation in Sichuan Province

To understand the schistosomiasis control progress and endemic situation, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the strategy of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province. The schistosomiasis history data, working reports of schistosomiasis prevention and control, schistosomiasis surveillance data, and data of schistosomiasis prevention and control capacity were collected and analyzed for the schistosomiasis control progress and epidemic situation in Sichuan Province from 2004 to 2015. There were 63 schistosomiasis endemic districts in 11 cities in Sichuan Province, and the standard of schistosomiasis transmission interruption was achieved in the whole province in 2015. Currently, the area with Oncomelania hupensis snails was 2 537.54 hm2, and there were 1 769 advanced schistosomiasis patients. From 2004 to 2015, the accumulated survey area with snails was 433 065.80 hm2, and the area of snail control by molluscicides was 251 259 hm2. There were 26.017 144 million person-times of schistosomiasis blood tests and 7.89 million person-times of chemotherapy. There were 1.276 117 million head-times of cattle that received the schistosomiasis examinations. The schistosomiasis patients and livestock and the area with snails were decreased year by year. Since 2010, there were no local schistosome-infected residents and livestock and since 2004, there were no schistosome-infected snails. However, in some area, the professional personnel were less, the technology and hardware lagged behind, and the schistosomiasis prevention and control capacity was weak. Sichuan Province achieved the standard of schistosomiasis transmission interruption in 2015. In the future, the comprehensive schistosomiasis prevention and control strategy still should be strengthened, including the promotion of schistosomiasis prevention and control capacity, establishment of sensitive early-warning surveillance system, and implementation of accurate schistosomiasis prevention and control, in order to consolidate the control achievements and realize the aim of schistosomiasis elimination as soon as possible.

Endemic status of schistosomiasis in People's Republic of China in 2015

This report presented the endemic status of schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China at a national level in 2015, and analyzed the data collected from the national schistosomiasis prevention and control system and 457 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites. Among the 12 provinces (municipality, autonomous region) endemic for schistosomiasis japonica in P. R. China, 5 provinces (municipality, autonomous region), i.e., Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi, had achieved transmission interruption, and 7 provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Jiangsu, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan had achieved transmission control by the end of 2015. There were 453 endemic counties (city, district) covering 252 million people, specifically including 29 980 endemic villages of 68.61 million people at risk of infection. Among the 453 endemic counties (city, district), 75.72% (343/453) and 24.28% (110/453) reached the criteria of transmission interruption and transmission control, respectively. By the end of 2015, it was estimated of 77 194 cases of schistosomiasis, which were decreased by 33.23% compared with 115 614 cases in 2014. No acute schistosomiasis cases were reported in 2015. There were 30 843 advanced schistosomiasis cases documented in 2015. A total of 8 736 036 individuals received schistosomiasis examinations and 3 606 individuals were parasitologically diagnosed, which were decreased by 56.40% compared with 8 270 cases in 2014. An Oncomelania hupensis snail survey was performed in 19 965 endemic villages and the snails were found in 5 609 villages, accounting for 28.09% of total villages, with 31 newly detected villages with snails. The snail survey covered an area of 593 572.66 hm2 and snails were found in an area of 173 462.50 hm2, including a newly detected area of 666.04 hm2. No infected snails were found in 2015. A total of 879 373 bovines were raised in the schistosomiasis endemic regions. Of them, 526 062 bovines received stool examinations, resulting in 315 infected bovines. There were 170 438 schistosomiasis cases receiving drug treatment in 2015, with 2 449 696 individuals undergoing expanded chemotherapy. There were 318 bovines with schistosomiasis receiving drug treatment, with 483 213 bovines undergoing expanded chemotherapy. A total of 144 305.52 hm2 area was subject to snail control by using molluscicides, with an actual molluscicide-treated area of 69 221.57 hm2, and 4 572.06 hm2 snail habitats were treated by environmental modification. Based on the data from the 457 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites, the mean Schistosoma japonicum infection rate was 0.05% and 0.04% in humans and bovines, respectively. No infected snails were found in all the surveillance sites. The results demonstrate a decline in the endemicity of schistosomiasis in P. R. China and the country reached the criteria of transmission control at the national level. However, the endemic situation of schistosomiasis is unstable in some regions with newly-reached transmission control, and further control and effective surveillance should be strengthened to consolidate the achievements and reduce the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in P. R. China.

Emergency response and effect evaluation on schistosomiasis control in rescue of shipwreck event in Yangtze River

To evaluate the effect of schistosomiasis control in"Oriental Star shipwreck event"in Jianli County, Hubei Province, so as to provide experiences for schistosomiasis prevention and control in rescue of emergency in the future. According to the data of historical schistosomiasis prevalence and the results of the field survey in the townships in the upstream and downstream of the rescue spots, the emergency handling measures of schistosomiasis control were evaluated. Meanwhile, the Oncomelania hupensis snail situation, priority crowd chemotherapy, key aquatic monitoring, and illness monitoring of people and livestock were investigated to evaluate the schistosomiasis control effect after the events comprehensively. There were no schistosome-infected snails found in the place of shipwreck and the rescue spots. The average density of O. hupensis snails in 5 townships of Jianli County was 0.064 snails/0.1 m2, and there were no infected snails found. The positive rate of 2 090 migrants in the schistosomiasis serologic tests was 0.29% and there were no positive ones found in the fecal examination. There were no acute schistosomiasis cases found by the sentinel surveillance fever clinics, and also no positive cattle were found. The results of sentinel mice monitoring in the place of shipwreck and 4 villages in the upstream and downstream showed no infected mice were found. The schistosomiasis control measures taken after the shipwreck is effective, which achieves the goal of no schistosomiasis transmission after emergency.