USAID's NTD Program

Schistosomiasis

Treatment, Prevention, and Control

Although schistosomiasis is not yet eradicable, the disease can be prevented and transmission controlled with a single annual 40mg/kg dose of the drug praziquantel in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and South America (S. haematobium, S. mansoni, and S. intercalatum). In Asia, two separate 30mg/kg doses (spaced three hours apart) of praziquantel are enough to treat S. japonicum and S. mekongi.¹

Additional control measures, including improved water and sanitation as well as reduction or elimination of intermediate host snails, could sustain and/or enhance control of transmission in endemic areas.

Additional Resources

• Preventive Chemotherapy in Human Helminthiasis – October 2006 [PDF, 1.6MB]
  This WHO manual provides guidance on coordinating implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) for Hookworm as well as the other NTDs targeted by MDA.

Learn more about schistosomiasis:

• Epidemiology
• Life Cycle
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Back to Schistosomiasis Overview

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References

1. WHO. Model Prescribing Information. Drugs used in parasitic diseases. Second edition (1995). World Health Organization, Geneva.