Abstract:
A cross sectional survey for S.C.Jl.iRt.QQ-OU)a. h.a.~m.a.tQbi1Jm
infection and some factors influencing its transmission were
studied among school children from two schools at Kigogo-
Kinondoni district of Dar-es-Salaam city. The overall
prevalence rate was 230/483 47.6% based on microscopic
examination of a single urin!3 sample. The prevalence rates
were 111/249 (44.6%) and 119/234 (50.9%) in Kigogo and
Darajani Primary School respectively. Males (54.6%) ~ere
more infected than females (40.8%). The overall intensity
of infection was (47 eggs/lOml urine). It was higher in
males (54 eggs per 10ml urine) than in females (38 eggs/l0ml
urine). The 10-14 years age group had the highest
prevalence rate and intensity of infection: The frequency
of micro-haematuria among infected children was high (84.3%)
reaching 92% from an egg output of 50 or more eggs/lOml
urine: and the frequency of visible haematuria was 37.7%.
Human water contacts were mainly for recreational activities
and domestic use. Males showed a higher frequency of water
contact than females.
tvlalacological surveys recovered B1.dill.Uq LPh .e J. glQb_QJ3JJS, .B ..•..
LPh., . .1 D...a.§1l,t.JJ.Q. and B.., .. J.Ph.,.J.a.fri .. G..a.m.1p from 8 out of 12 water
contact sites searched.
Metrifonate in 3 doses at 2 weekly intervals had overall
., ..
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-~
- --- ----- - ~ - -- - ----
iii
cure rate of 88.7%.
Of the studied children, (47.5%) had never heard about the
disease . However,knowledge about the disease among those
children who had heard about the disease was high as
assessed by the question1.1aire survey.
It is conclud~d that the current prevalence rates and
intensities of infection in the area are unacceptably high.
Selective chemotherapy, health education and provision of
alternative water sources for recreational activities are
suggested as possible methods for the control of the disease
in the area.
