Objective: To understand the changes of schistosomiasis endemic situation in Sichuan Province, the upstream of Yangtze River basin, and the impact on schistosomiasis transmission in Three Gorges Reservoir area after the construction of Three Gorges Reservoir.
Methods: The annual reports of the schistosomiasis endemic situation in Sichuan Province from 2000-2012, the data of the schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Sichuan Province from 2001-2012, the data of the schistosomiasis sampling survey in Sichuan Province in 2001, and the relevant reference of Three Gorges Reservoir were collected. The schistosomiasis prevalence in human and cattle, and Oncomelania hupensis snail status were investigated. The snail survey was implemented in Qianjin Village, Jianyang City, Sichuan Province, the nearest village to Three Gorges Reservoir Area.
Results: The schistosomiasis endemic situation presented a continuous declining state in Sichuan Province from 2000-2012, and reached the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission controlled in 2008. From 2012, 65.07% of endemic counties reached the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission interrupted. From 2006, no schistosome infected snails were found. In Qianjin Village, 1714 m2 environments were surveyed and no snails were found.
Conclusions: The schistosomiasis endemic area and snail area are significantly reduced in Sichuan Province, the upstream of Yangtze River basin, after the construction of Three Gorges Reservoir. Therefore, the possibility of schistosomiasis endemic diffusing to Three Gorges Reservoir area is minimum.