Abstract

The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in pre-school children below the age of 5 years in five settlements was investigated. Of the 1,402 children examined and screened for schistosomiasis, 573 children representing 40.8% were infected. Females between the ages of 3 to 4 years had the highest infection of 37% while the least percentage prevalence of 6.4% was recorded in females below one year. Similarly, males between the ages of 3 to 4 years had the highest percentage of 28.9% while 7.1% prevalence was recorded in age cohort below one year. The prevalence of infection was higher in the male children representing 22% while the female recorded 18.8%. The highest prevalence of haematuria (43.5%) was recorded between 4 to 5 years, followed by 3 to 4 years age cohort with 31.4 and 0.0% in the ages between 1 to 3 years. However, there was no significant difference (t = 1.51; P > 0.05) in the level of infection between male and female subjects. Similarly, there was no significant difference (t = 1.67; P > 0.05) in the prevalence of infection at the study locations. The intensity and prevalence of the infection increased significantly (P < 0.05) with age. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.37; P < 0.05) between individuals infected in the different locations. In these settlements, schistosomiasis was caused by unsanitary habits, contact with stagnant water which accumulate due to poor drainage and fishing activities by the communities.

Key words: Prevalence, transmission, schistosomiasis, pre-school children, snail and parasite.