The Epidemiology of <i>Schistosoma heamatobium</i> infections in the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out between the months of July 2005 and August 2007, in all the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State. A total of 6,600 urine samples were examined for Schistosoma heamatobium infection. Of these numbers - 2,820(42.7%) were infected. Out of the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria, the highest prevalence of 64.0% was recorded in Kura Local Government Area and the least, 18.0 % was observed in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area. A higher prevalence 48.0% was recorded in males, than in females 29.7%. Among the infected respondents, 52.7% indicated a high level of water contact activities, while 32.4% did not. Only 36.3% of the infected individuals showed high micro heamaturia value. The distribution of Schistosoma heamatobium infection by previous infection exposure of individuals examined was 36.5%. Treatment practices recorded included the use of orthodox medicine (35.1%) and traditional medicine (64.8%). Of the 6,600 respondents interviewed for their knowledge of the disease, 69.2% had knowledge of the disease while 30.7% did not. The implication of these findings, with a view to implement proper planning and control management of the disease, is discussed.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Schistosoma heamatobium, infected respondents, Water contact and Micro-haematuria

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp.19-24