Trends in the prevalence of microscopically-confirmed schistosomiasis in the South African public health sector, 2011-2018.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a chronic parasitic blood fluke infection acquired through contact with contaminated surface water. The illness may be mild or can cause significant morbidity with potentially serious complications. Children and those living in rural areas with limited access to piped water and services for healthcare are the most commonly infected. To address the prevalence of the disease in parts of South Africa (SA) effective national control measures are planned, but have not yet been implemented. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and trends of public sector laboratory-confirmed schistosomiasis cases in SA over an eight-year (2011-2018) period, to inform future control measures.

Methodology & principal findings

This is a d

SUBMITTER: De Boni L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8445405 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature