Urinary schistosomiasis in Yauri riverine area Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Infection with Schistosoma haematobium was investigated in the riverine area of Yauri Metropolis in Kebbi State, north-western Nigeria between April-June 2013, using sedimentation technique. Out of 206 persons examined (106 males and 100 females), 87 (42.2%) were infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Males infected, 57 (53.7%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than females, 30 (30.0%) due mainly to water contact activities. Infection rate decreased with increasing age and fishermen (59.4%) and onion farmers (39.5%) were more infected than people in other occupations. It was concluded that urinary schistosomasis was endemic in Yauri Metropolis of Kebbi State. The need for health education programmes on the dangers of urinating and defecating around water bodies, bathing and drinking from such contaminated water sources in the areas as well as urgent treatment with praziquantel were suggested.

Keywords: epidemiology, Schistosoma haematobium, praziqquantel, Nigeria.