Schistosomiasis in the Gorgol Valley of Mauritania

Schistosomiasis may be increasing in West Africa due to the development of water-resource projects which were given a strong impetus by the disastrous Sahelian drought. This report concerns the existing epidemiology of schistosomiasis in West Africa for the Fourth Region of Mauritania, along the Gorgol River. In this area two reservoirs are proposed, to supply a new rice irrigation system. During May and November 1974, field surveys were made to determine the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis, and the relevant species of snails. The surveys were made as a basis for designing the irrigation systems to minimize transmission. The only snails found in the area were two species of Bulinus; therefore, the human population was tested for Schistosoma haematobium. A high prevalence of schistosomiasis was found in M'Bout, the town nearest the proposed reservoir at Foum Gleita. Prevalence rates were lowest in Kaedi near the confluence of the Gorgol and Senegal rivers. During the period between the first and second survey the incidence rate among children in M'Bout became very high (68%), probably because of increased water contact related to the rains that broke the long drought in August 1974.