A RECENT UPDATE OF SCHISTOMIASIS MANSONI ENDEMICITY AROUND LAKE RWERU

Background: Schistosomiasis remains a global public health challenge with an estimated 200 million cases reported each year. In Rwanda, the prevalence of schistosomiasis was recently examined by a countrywide mapping conducted by the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Control Programme of the Rwandan Ministry of Health in partnership with The Access Project. Unfortunately, that study failed to consider one area of endemicity -- Lake Rweru, located in Bugesera District, Eastern Province, Rwanda. This screening aimed to evaluate Lake Rweru and its environs in order to determine next steps for disease control. Methods: The lake’s shore inhabitants, including children and adults, were invited to be screened for intestinal schistosomiasis. The stool examination was performed by Kato-Katz technique. Results: A total of 270 children and adults were parasitologically screened. Fifty seven (57) cases of schistosomiasis mansoni were confirmed (21.1%). The highest proportion of S. mansoni infection was observed at Mazane Island (30.1% of 93 island inhabitants screened). Conclusion: The present results confirm that Lake Rweru is a significant source of S. mansoni infection in the country. We recommend further future investigations in order to know the true disease prevalence. While the mass de-worming campaign against schistosomiasis in addition to soiltransmitted helminthiasis is being regularly conducted by the Ministry of Health in all endemic areas, the population surrounding Lake Rweru should receive special attention.