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Schistosomiasis transmission in Lake Malawi
Abstract
Schistosomiasis (bilharziasis)
transmission due to Schistosoma haematobium has for many years been
known to occur along protected shorelines in Lake Malawi, but the recent
finding that transmission also can also occur along open shorelines with sandy
sediment has had a detrimental effect on tourism to Lake Malawi. The present
paper shows that transmission, as evidenced from presence of intermediate
hosts, along open shorelines is occurring in the southern part of the Lake.
Relatively simple precautions can be taken to ensure minimal risk of attracting
schistosome infection, and the schistosomiasis risk should not deter people
from visiting and diving in Lake Malawi.
African Journal of Aquatic Science
2004, 29(1): 117–119
transmission due to Schistosoma haematobium has for many years been
known to occur along protected shorelines in Lake Malawi, but the recent
finding that transmission also can also occur along open shorelines with sandy
sediment has had a detrimental effect on tourism to Lake Malawi. The present
paper shows that transmission, as evidenced from presence of intermediate
hosts, along open shorelines is occurring in the southern part of the Lake.
Relatively simple precautions can be taken to ensure minimal risk of attracting
schistosome infection, and the schistosomiasis risk should not deter people
from visiting and diving in Lake Malawi.
African Journal of Aquatic Science
2004, 29(1): 117–119
