Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in the Koryole and Merca Districts of the Somali Democratic Republic

Abstract

Prevalence surveys of Schistosoma haematobium were carried out in the Koryole and Merca Districts of the Somali Democratic Republic. The examination of urine samples from farmers from many parts of Somalia showed that S. haematobium is endemic in the valleys of the Juba and Shebelli Rivers, southern Somalia. The prevalence rates in the Lower Juba Region (three villages), Koryole and Merca Districts were 65·8%, 48·9% and 60·;7% respectively. Infection rates were high in all age groups in Koryole and Merca. Males had higher infection rates than females. The intensity of S. haematobium infection varied from 12·6 eggs per 10 ml in Koryole and 32·1 in Merca to 238·0 for Lower Juba.