Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya. III. Schistosomiasis.

An ELISA system showed a positive rate for Schistosoma mansoni infections of 33.4% in Tauorga school-children; qualitative stool examination detected only 6.9%. Subsequent sampling of the school population indicated that a mollusciciding programme involving the major water body in the area had prevented any overall increase in prevalence and had apparently produced a decrease in prevalence in certain locations. New housing, piped water, sanitary disposal of wastes and health education were additional favourable factors.