A retrospective study of nine years' hospital records of schistosomiasis in north-eastern Nigeria.
We have studied reports of new cases at 11 State Government Hospitals in the state of Borno, over a period of 9 years from 1976 to 1984. Urinary schistosomiasis was the second most common communicable disease, while intestinal schistosomiasis ranked sixth. The rise in prevalence of schistosomiasis since 1979 probably reflects increased public awareness of the beneficial role of hospitals. The decline in the number of cases seeking treatment in 1982 and 1983 may be due to the decline in rainfall and thus of agricultural and fishing activities involving contaminated irrigation ponds.
Chikwem
J O
JO
Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Alaku
O S
OS
D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*