Epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Kampala, Uganda

A survey for intestinal schistosomiasis was carried out in grade six pupils (5,313 pupils, 10-15 years) in over 80% of all primary schools in Kampala. The aim of the survey was to assess the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis in Kampala school children and to ascertain if transmission was occurring within the city. The prevalence of the disease was only 4.1% (216/5,313) and egg load generally low (< 500 eggs per gram of stool). Most infected pupils came from areas outside Kampala known to be endemic for intestinal schistosomiasis. It cannot be precluded however, that some infections were contracted in Lake Victoria and the Kabaka's Lake within Kampala city. It was suggested that it would be more cost effective if schistosomiasis control measures were applied at this stage.