An investigation of the schistosomiasis transmission status in Harare

A schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity survey was carried out among school children in selected residential suburbs of Harare. Urine and stool specimens were collected for determination of schistosomiasis infection from 2,552 children aged between five and 15 years. A total of 351 (13.7 pc) school children were found to be infected with Schistosoma haematobium while 172 (6.7 pc) pupils were found to be positive for S. mansoni. The arithmetic mean egg count (AMEC) for S. haematobium was 16 while that for S. mansoni was 7.6 figures much lower than those found among school children in rural areas. Malacological studies revealed the presence of infected intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis in some water bodies in and around Harare signifying the potential for transmission. The factors contributing to this observation are discussed. Prevalence and annual incidence of schistosomiasis was highest among children of high density suburbs on the outskirts of Harare where children had access to unprotected and untreated water usually outside the city boundaries. The lack of recreational facilities in these areas was found to be a major contributing factor towards the transmission of schistosomiasis as children were sometimes forced to use water bodies outside the City of Harare boundaries for such activities. The possible contribution of religious activities is also discussed.