Schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthic infections in Delo Awraja, Bale administrative region south Ethiopia

Abstract: A cross-sectional survey of schistosomiasis, intestinal helminthic infections and the snail intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis was conducted in Delo Awraja, Bale Administrative Region, South Ethiopia. Of 15 accessible communities studied, the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis exceeded 5% in five of them, reaching 48% in Meda. No S. haematobium infection was found except two imported cases diagnosed at Melkaaman at a temporary shelter for refugees returning from Somalia. Uninfected snail hosts of S. mansoni were collected from few water bodies. Other intestinal helminth parasites were also highly prevalent and widespread, the dominant ones being Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm species and Trichuris trichiura, infection rates reaching 84%, 67% and 64% respectively in some communities located at altitudes of 1500-1600 m.a.s.l. The apprehension that schistosomiasis may further spread with future development plans and the need for initiation of surveillance and/or control programmes for schistosomiasis in particular and intestinal helminthic infections in general are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1997;11(3):183-188