Intestinal Schistosomiasis as a Public Health Threat to School Children Aged 0 – 14 Years: A Case Study in Bassa LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1021-6226Keywords:
Detection, Primary School, Pupils, Schistosomiasis, SwimmingAbstract
Schistosomiasis is an infectious, zoonotic, neglected tropical disease of public health concern, caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. In developing countries, it causes serious morbidity and mortality. It leads to chronic infection affecting health and learning, especially among young school children having contact with water contaminated with snails. Thus, this study aimed to determine the detection rate of Schistosoma spp. and its public health implications among pupils of primary school. A cross-sectional study was conducted on pupils in Miango, Plateau State, Nigeria. Stool samples were obtained from 94 pupils aged 4-14 years. The stool samples were analyzed for the presence of Schistosoma eggs using the concentration method. Questionnaires were administered to 104 pupils to assess risk factors for clinical presentations common to schistosomiasis. Findings revealed an overall detection rate of 3.20%, with a higher rate among males (6.30%) compared to females (1.60%). Pupils aged 10-14 years exhibited the highest rate of schistosomiasis infection (6.70%). However, no statistically significant differences were observed across sex (P>0.05) and age groups (P>0.05). Swimming was strongly and significantly (P=0.0009) associated with dysentery. These results portray the presence of schistosomiasis among pupils in Miango. Despite the low prevalence observed, schistosomiasis remains a public health threat, warranting continued efforts in prevention and control - public enlightenment, provision of safe water sources, and ensuring regular distribution of antiparasitic interventions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dorcas Manasseh Dayom, Felix Idoko, Kennedy Musa Samdi, Ifeoma Augusta Ugwunna, Adeyinka Jeremy Adedeji, Newman Anagumba Chindidu, Ijeoma Nwagbo, Blessing Cabala Mwasara
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
