[Prevention and control of intestinal nematode infection in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the current status of intestinal nematode infection in Shanghai and make recommendations for further control activities.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the control program was made based on the change of nematode prevalence in Shanghai area since the 1950s, and challenges under the current situation were analysed.

RESULTS

The intervention measures included chemotherapy, health education, sanitary disposal of human excreta and safe water supply. With the control strategy, socio-economical development and the change of farming patterns, the prevalence of intestinal nematode infection in population was reduced by 88.5%, from 62.6% in 1955 to 8.2% in 2000. Among them, ascaris infection decreased by 89.0%, from 52.1% to 6.3%, hookworm infection decreased by 99.0%, from 12.9% to 0.1%, but pinworm infection was still as high as 18.9% in 1999.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of nematode infection in Shanghai was considerably reduced. To match it with the current socio-economical development in the Municipality, however, more needs to be done. Sustainable control activities and surveillance are recommended.