The role of Jakara dam in the transmission of schistosomiasi

Abstract

Fresh water bodies around the Jakara dam in Wasai town of Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano state were investigated for the presence of potential snail intermediate host. Five sites ,one stream, one burrow pit , one pond and two locations on the Jakara dam were investigated . Five species of snails, Bulinus globosus Morelet, the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium Bilharz, Biomphalaria pfeffeiri Krauss, the intermediate host of S. mansoni Sambon and Lymnea natalensis Krauss, the intermediate host of Fasiola gigantica Cobbold , P..conica and Bithynia tentaculata were encountered and investigated for trematode infections. B. globosus was the most frequently encountered in the two dam sites (Fako and Kwata) and was the only species shedding schistosome cercariae. Fishermen, children, female child hawkers were also found at the dam site. This clearly indicates Jakara dam is playing a role in the transmission of schistosomiasis.

Keywords : Schistosomiasis , snails, Jakara dam, Kano state