Chapter 25, Problem 18STP

Summary Introduction

To determine:

A plan for the control of the schistosomiasis.

Introduction :

The Schistosoma is a fluke that can enter in the body by walking barefoot on the soil and causes Schistosomiasis. It is very common in the Africa, Philippines, south China and Brazil.

Explanation of Solution

The Schistosomiasis is a disease, which mainly spreads through water. It is caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma, which has a complex life cycle and requires one mammalian and one intermediate host (snail).

There is no specific control for the spread of Schistosoma, hence, the prevention relies on the provision of the clean and non-infected water.

1. Snail control: As the snail is the intermediate host, area having snails may have greater chances of infection. Snails can be controlled either destruction of their habitat or chemical methods.
2. Provision of sanitary conditions: A proper toilet facility and clean water may decrease the spread of larva.
3. Preventive chemical therapies: the chemotherapy rely on the administration of the medicines that can be easily infected, such as people living near the beach, fisherman, farmers, etc.