A schistosomiasis pilot control project in Lindu valley, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

This pilot control project was an intervention study, consisting of: 1) treating the positive cases with Niridazole; 2) spraying the foci with Niclosamide; 3) improving the water supply system and construction of public latrines. The intervention not only has lowered the human prevalence rate, but has also lowered the transmission of the disease in that area. Niridazole appeared relatively safe and effective, the cure rate after one year was 80%. Spraying the foci with Niclosamide 20-40 mg per litre did not appear very effective. Using this epidemiological data it was estimated that infected persons would become spontaneously negative after 4.75 years, if there was no reinfection.