Abstract:

objectiveTo understand the distribution of infected Oncomelania snails in Anhui Province in recent years.  Methods The data of snail distribution from 2006 to 2012 were collected, the spatial database of infected snails was set up, and the distribution of infected snails was analyzed.  Results  From 2006 to 2012, the infected snails were mainly distributed in the transmission-controlled endemic regions. Compared with 2006, the number of counties with infected snails, the number of spots with infected snails, the area with infected snails, the mean density of infected snails and the infection rate of snails decreased by 79.3%, 92.7%, 91.4%, 95.2% and 95.5%, respectively. The number of environments with infected snails found repeatedly accounted for 27% in the recent 7 years. Conclusion  In the recent 7 years, the distribution of infected snails in Anhui Province showed a downward trend by effective measures for schistosomiaisis control and some natural factors. But the distribution of infected snail is difficult to forecast, so the risk of infection is still high. Snail survey and control should be strengthened to realize the target of transmission control before 2015.

Key words: Infected snail, Distribution changes, Anhui Province