Urban schistosomiasis in Lusaka, Zambia: a preliminary study

A preliminary survey was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia to determine the extent of schistosomiasis transmission in the city. Stool and urine samples were collected from 240 children from seven schools selected to give a cross-sectional representation of the various socio-economic neighbourhoods of the city. In addition to the parasitological examination, students were questioned with respect to their knowledge of the disease and other epidemiological factors. In addition, water bodies near the schools were examined for the presence of snail hosts. Results of the survey suggest that schistosomiasis is actively transmitted within Greater Lusaka. An overall prevalence of 20.9% for S. haematobium was observed, but only one case of S. mansoni was detected. Prevalence rates for S. haematobium in individual schools ranged from 7.5 to 37.5%.