Abstract
In 2006 we did a pilot study on schistosomiasis in rural KwaZulu-Natal aiming to determine prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis, the frequency of risk water contact in girls and the possible alternative water contact routes. We tested 282 girls between the ages of 9 to 12 years for urinary schistosomiasis. They were interviewed on water contact patterns, household composition and symptoms associated with schistosomiasis.
The study showed that 42% of the girls had schistosomiasis. A total 51% had weekly high-risk water contact. A total of 65% did not have the possibility to use safe water. Playing in the rivers was highly associated with being infected. Furthermore parental absence also carried an increased risk. Self-reported haematuria was not a good screening tool for finding infected girls.