EXPERIENCES IN THE CONTROL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS-HAEMATOBIA IN THE LAKE SIBAYA AREA OF NORTHERN KWAZULU-NATAL

In the area surrounding Lake Sibaya in northern KwaZulu-Natal, prevale nces of Schistosoma haematobium in most communities were above 80% whi le S. mansoni infections were rare. An intervention programme was cond ucted in the area using chemotherapy (Biltricide(R)) and focal snail c ontrol (Bayluscide(R)). The programme was aimed predominantly at child ren attending seven primary schools. Despite many problems experienced , e.g. a high absentee rate and the reluctance of parents to sign info rmed consent forms, prevalence, and particularly intensity of infectio n, reached extremely low levels within 11 months and after two mass tr eatments, eight months apart. On the basis of experiences gained durin g this control programme, we were able to make recommendations regardi ng the control of schistosomiasis haematobia in northern KwaZulu-Natal and other endemic areas in South Africa.