PREVALENCE OF SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM AMONG PUPILS IN SOME PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NARAGUTA VILLAGE, JOS, PLATEAU STATE
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, particularly urogenital schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium, remains a significant public health concern in subSaharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among pupils in three primary schools in Naraguta Village, Jos, Plateau State. A total of 150 urine samples were collected and examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs using standard parasitological methods. The overall prevalence was found to be 2.67%, indicating a relatively low endemicity in the study area. The highest prevalence was observed among pupils aged 1214 years (5.00%), and males had a slightly higher prevalence (3.00%) compared to females (2.00%). The study also found a significant association between infection and the source of water, with pupils who sourced water from rivers or streams having a prevalence of 8.00%. The findings suggest that while the prevalence is low, targeted interventions, including mass drug administration, improved water supply, and health education, are essential to further reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in Naraguta Village.
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