Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium Infection among School-Age Children in Afar Area, Northeastern Ethiopia

A high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection, reaching 20.8%, was identified among school-age children in the Middle and Lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between February and May 2014, analyzed urine samples from 885 children (ages 5-16) across seven villages using urine filtration to detect eggs and urine dipsticks for hematuria. Infection intensity varied significantly by village, with the Middle Awash Valley showing higher prevalence (up to 37%) and egg counts compared to the Lower Awash Valley. Hematuria was prevalent in 56.3% of tested children, further indicating morbidity risks. Age and sex were not associated with infection risk. The findings underscore the need for targeted praziquantel treatment in affected villages to reduce morbidity and transmission.

Degarege, A., Mekonnen, Z., Levecke, B., Legesse, M., Negash, Y., Vercruysse, J., & Erko, B. (2015). Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium Infection among School-Age Children in Afar Area, Northeastern Ethiopia. Plos One, 10(8), e0133142. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0133142