Surveillance of schistosomiasis in Sichuan province, 2005 - 2009

Objective To understand the epidemic trend of schistosomiasis in Sichuan and provide scientific evidence for the development and revision of schistosomiasis prevention strategy. Methods According to the national schistosomiasis surveillance protocol, the national surveillance sites were selected in Sichuan. The schistosomiasis surveillance was carried on continuously from 2005 to 2009. Results Nine national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were established in Pujiang, Guanghan, Zhongjiang, Fucheng, Dongpo, Danling, Renshou, Xichang and Dechang counties. The snail area declined from 351 853 m2 in 2005 to 142 983 m2 in 2009. The snail density declined from 0.70/0.11 m2 to 0.33/0.11 m2. The snail infection rate declined from 0.06% to 0. The positive rate of human serum schistosoma antibody declined from 19.41% to 0.45%, and the human schistosoma infection rate declined from 1.93% to 0.02%. The livestock schistosoma infection rate declined from 4.50% to 0.45%. Conclusion The schistosomiasis epidemic remained at low level in Sichuan. To consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievement, the surveillance should be carried out continuously and the comprehensive control measure should be strengthened.