PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SOME SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KUMO, AKKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, GOMBE STATE, NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis in the study population. The study was conducted in five selected primary schools in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria between September and November 2019. A total of 250 specimens were collected and investigated for the presence of Schistosoma species using a standard medical atlas for the identification of the parasites. The specimens were analyzed microscopically. Out of the 250 samples examined, 26 (10.4%) were positive for S. mansoni. The prevalence was high in males accounting for 19 (73.1%) than in females 7 (26.9%). The prevalence was also high among the age group 10 – 12years 16 (61.5%) but there was no infection in the age group 1 – 6 0(0%). There is a significant difference between the primary schools, gender and ages of the pupils. However, there was no difference in their source of water. High infection was observed in those who use river and well water 10 (38.5%) and was low in those that use borehole water. These findings indicate the need for public awareness on the disease, routine chemotheraphy and implementation of vector control strategies, so as to avoid accelerated morbidity and inprove the health of people in the study area.