SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN SAUDI-ARABIA, EGYPT, AND IRAQ

The incidence of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infestation caused by tr ematodes, or flukes, has decreased significantly in Egypt and other Mi ddle Eastern countries. The education of people in the countryside is a primary reason. The water supply in these countries is now good, and , in most areas, women no longer use the stagnant river tributaries fo r washing clothes. Medications, which can be used to prevent the infec tion or kill the parasite include praziquante and metrifonate. (C) 199 8, Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.