Management and surveillance of the floating population with schistosomiasis in Ningbo City from 2003 to 2005

Objective The present study was conducted to test the situation of schistosomiasis carried by the floating population, and evaluate the latent harm of trovnsmission of communicate schistosomiasis among the population in Ningbo City, so that the communication of the exogenous schistosomiasis could be prevented and controlled in the city. Methods Some floating people from epidemic areas of schistosomiasis in 7 provinces (Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan) had the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) and dot immunogold filtration assay of schistosomiasis detected. The positive patients had pathogenic examination by hatching test after Fecal eggs concentrated in a nylon tissue bag. And at the same time health education was carried on and snails were screened around the villages where the patients lived. Results From 2003 to 2005, 14 529 floating people were examined and there were 178 positive people. The serum positive rate was 1.23%. Pathogeny of schistosomiasis was found in 45 positive people, and the positive rate of fecal hatching test was 25.28%. Snails were screened in 32 villages. The areas where snails were checked added up to 310 000 m2, but no snails were found. Conclusion Floating population carry pathogeny of schistosomiasis, so it is necessary to enhance the management and surveillance of the floating population with schistosomiasis in order to effectively prevent and control the communication of exogenous schistosomiasis in Ningbo.