Objective: To understand the epidemic trend of schistosomiasis in Sichuan Province so as to provide the evidence for formulating schistosomiasis control strategy.
Methods: According to the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Protocol, the national surveillance sites in Sichuan Province were selected. The schistosomiasis surveillance was carried out continuously from 2005 to 2010.
Results: Nine national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were established in Pujiang, Guanghan, Zhongjiang, Fucheng, Dongpo, Danling, Renshou, Xichang and Dechang counties. The Oncomelania hupensis snail area decreased from 351 853 m2 in 2005 to 128 285 m2 in 2010, the snail density from 0.70 to 0.21 per 0.1 m2, the snail infection rate from 0.06% to 0, the positive rate of human serum schistosome antibody from 19.41% to 7.62%, the schistosome infection rate of human population from 1.93% to 0.10%, and the infection rate of livestock from 4.50% to 1.02%. The snails were found mainly in ditch, rice field and other moist field.
Conclusions: Though the endemic of schistosomiasis has reached a low level in Sichuan Province, the endemic situation fluctuates at a narrow range in some surveillance sites. Therefore, the surveillance work should be carried out continuously.