Complex control of schistosomiasis.
The main problems of complete Schistosomiasis control in endemic areas are eradication of intermediate host snails, large-scale treatment and health education of the population. Health education seems to be the most important factor in maintaining the standard of control. The introduction of very cheap, effective and fast screening methods and the development of very efficacious and easily applicable drugs have made large-scale treatment one of the most important methods of epidemiological combat. The eradication of snails has lost importance, with chemical and, to a growing extent, biological means of snail control becoming the focus of interest. In view of recent success in combating Schistosomiasis, it can be assumed that this disease will cease to be a major threat to public health in endemic areas.
D000818:Animals; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D010571:Pest Control; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D012908:Snails / Q000469:parasitology