Prospects of schistosomiasis at the Kidatu dam project in Tanzania

A schistosomiasis survey was carried out to determine the present and future potential for transmission of schistosomiasis at the site of the Great Ruaha Power Project at Kidatu. Although a few cases of the disease in the human population were recorded at the dam-site and in the future reservoir lake areas, they were probably contracted outside as both areas were considered unlikely habitats for the snail transmitters of schistosomiasis. Higher prevalence rates were registered in the neighbouring areas Kidodi, Kilombero and Kidatu, where snail vectors of urinary schistosomiasis, Bulinus (Physopsis) nasutus and B(P) africanus/globosus (?) were found.