Abstract
A study of water contact patterns of the population around a recently constructed irrigation scheme in the Benue valley of Northern Cameroon gave insights in ways to control the possible spread of schistosomiasis. Results indicated that the introduction of irrigation had increased the exposure to possible transmission of schistosomiasis, directly, by work on irrigated rice-fields, and indirectly by the creation of permanent water reservoirs in the vicinity of the village. The provision of safe drinking water in the village was found to be insufficient; this explains the intensive use of open water reservoirs for domestic purposes. Possible ways to reduce high-risk water contacts due to domestic, occupational and recreational activities are discussed.
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Slootweg, R., Kooyman, M., de Koning, P. et al. Water contact studies for the assessment of schistosomiasis infection risks in an irrigation scheme in Cameroon. Irrig Drainage Syst 7, 113–130 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00880871
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00880871