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. 2022 Jan 21;17(1):e0262524.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262524. eCollection 2022.

Schistosomiasis outbreak during COVID-19 pandemic in Takum, Northeast Nigeria: Analysis of infection status and associated risk factors

Francisca Olamiju  1 , Obiageli J Nebe  2 , Hammed Mogaji  3 , Ayodele Marcus  1 , Perpetua Amodu-Agbi  2 , Rita O Urude  2 , Ebenezer Apake  4 , Olatunwa Olamiju  1 , Chimdinma Okoronkwo  1 , Ijeoma Achu  1 , Okezie Mpama  1
Affiliations

Schistosomiasis outbreak during COVID-19 pandemic in Takum, Northeast Nigeria: Analysis of infection status and associated risk factors

Francisca Olamiju et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Mass drug administration for schistosomiasis started in 2014 across Taraba State. Surprisingly in 2020, an outbreak of schistosomiasis was reported in Takum local government area. This epidemiological investigation therefore assessed the current status of infection, analyzed associated risk factors and arrested the outbreak through community sensitization activities and mass treatment of 3,580 persons with praziquantel tablets.

Methods: Epidemiological assessment involving parasitological analysis of stool and urine samples were conducted among 432 consenting participants in five communities. Samples were processed using Kato-Katz and urine filtration techniques. Participants data on demography, water contact behavior and access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities were obtained using standardized questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS 20.0 and significance level was set at 95%.

Results: An overall prevalence of 34.7% was observed, with 150 participants infected with both species of Schistosoma parasite. By communities, prevalence was higher in Birama (57.7%), Barkin Lissa (50.5%) and Shibong (33.3%). By species', S. haematobium infection was significantly higher than S. mansoni (28.9% vs 9.5%), with higher proportion of younger males infected (p<0.05). The condition of WASH is deplorable. About 87% had no latrines, 67% had no access to improved source of potable water and 23.6% relied on the river as their main source of water. Infections was significantly associated with water contact behaviors like playing in water (OR:1.50, 95% CI: 1.01-2.25) and swimming (OR:1.55, 95% CI: 1.04-2.31).

Conclusion: It is important to reclassify the treatment needs of Takum LGA based on the findings of this study. Furthermore, efforts targeted at improving access to WASH, reducing snail population, improving health education and strengthening surveillance systems to identify schistosomiasis hotspots will be a step in the right direction.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Samples of bloody urine collected during study procedures.
Source: The authors took this picture on using their camera with the permission of the participants. Permission: The authors give permission to re-use this image.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Map of Taraba State showing the study LGA.
Source: The authors using their primary data in ArcGIS software created this map. Permission: The authors give permission to re-use this map.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Prevalence of schistosomiasis by sex among the study participants.
Source: The authors using their primary data to create this chart in Microsoft Excel software. Permission: The authors give permission to re-use this map.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Prevalence of schistosomiasis by age among the study participants.
Source: The authors using their primary data to create this chart in Microsoft Excel software. Permission: The authors give permission to re-use this map.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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