ABSTRACT
Schistosomiasis, known as bilharzia, is an important disease whose intermediate host is not an insect or arthropod, but an aquatic snail. Eighty-five per cent of the global burden of schistosomiasis is caused by just two species; S. mansoni and S. japonicum. A common symptom of S. haematobium schistosomiasis is the presence of blood in the urine. The role of mass chemotherapy in schistosomiasis control is increasing due to the development of greatly improved drugs. Water supply can help to control schistosomiasis in more than one way. Intense schistosomiasis transmission may result from the discharge of effluents containing schistosome eggs to streams and lakes. Washing facilities will reduce the need for people to be in contact with infected water. They also have an impact on many other infections. Irrigation water may be transported in covered channels or pipes with benefits to water conservation as well as water quality and snail control.
