The specific methods of control and eradication of schistosomiasis in Israel

A review of the epidemiological status of urinary schistosomiasis and intestinal schistosomiasis in Israel is made. The ecology, bionomy and geographical distribution of the snail vectors were studied and research on their vectorial capacity to the imported Schistosoma strains was undertaken. Biomphalaria alexandrina, the snail vector of S. mansomi, was eradicated through ecological factors (salinity and pollution by sewage) and human activities. The elimination of snail vectors by applications of chemicals succeeded when the entire infested foci were isolated. The factors responsible for the reappearance of snail vectors after those chemical applications are described. Examples are given of successfully combined measures used for the control of snail vectors; increase of water currents to over 20 cm/sec, rapid emptying and drying up of water reservoirs, weekly deflection of infested water courses in different directions, etc. In 1951, 19 schoolchildren became infected with S. mansoni and in 1955, 97 schoolchildren became infected with S. haematobium. Since 1955 no more new infections with Schistosomiasis have been reported in Israel.