SCHISTOSOMIASIS DETECTION AMONG SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN IN COMMUNITIES LIVING ALONG THE NYAMA RIVER SYSTEM IN ENUGU STATE NIGERIA

Schistosomiasis is a public health concern particularly in rural areas where poverty and poor social amenities prevail. The disease infects mostly children of school age and pregnant women, more often those living close to water bodies harbouring the snail intermediate host of the causative agent of schistosomiasis. The Nyama River system transverses many communities in Enugu State and the prevalence of schistosomiasis in these communities is unknown. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis infection among school-aged children living along the Nyama River system. A cross- sectional study involving urine and stool microscopy was used to demonstrate eggs of parasites respectively. The result showed an overall prevalence of 21.7% for Schistosoma haematobuim and 17.6% for Schistosoma mansoni infections; more males were infected with Schistosoma haematobuim (27.9%) than females (15.1%). There was a statistically significant difference between infections among age groups (P < 0.05) with children between 9 – 11 years having more infection than the other age groups. There was also statistically significant difference in infection among schools with Akwuke Primary school having the highest rate of infection in comparison to the other schools. It is recommended that the government develop control strategies for afflicted school children. Also, large-scale testing and treatments should be carried out for the entire community, including all age groups, to determine the transmission cycle from adults to children.