SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN ADDIS-ABABA

With increased migration of infected people into cities schistosomiasi s is increasingly becoming an urban disease in many endemic countries, including Ethiopia. Recently, 9 children (11-15 years of age) from an elementary school in Addis were found positive for S. mansoni by stoo l examination. Eight of the children reported to have never been outsi de Addis, information which was also confirmed from their parents/guar dians. The possible occurrence of authochtonous transmission of intest inal schistosomiasis in Addis and the possible factors responsible for this are discussed and the need for more systematic survey suggested.