Urban Schistosomiasis Transmission In Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Abstract

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence, distribution and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium) among child occupants of 16 informal settlements in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, during 10-12 July, 2005. In addition, the distribution of snail hosts in relation to the settlements was investigated, with monthly surveys of snails during January-December 1995. A total of 730 occupants (347 males and 383 females) were interviewed, and 608 of them provided urine samples for examination. Urine analysis revealed low schistosomiasis prevalence (43 of 608, 7.1%) and intensity (mostly <200 eggs/10 ml) levels. The infected children were from 10 of the 16 settlements surveyed. Infected snail hosts (Bulinus africanus) were found in nearby rivers and dams and an active focus of S. haematobium transmission was identified in a city park, the first example of urban schistosomiasis from South Africa. The public health implications of schistosomiasis control in South Africa are discussed.