A REVIEW ON PREVALENCE OF HUMAN SCHISTOSOMIASIS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG FISHERMEN AND FISH PROCESSORS

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of humans that is caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma that infect the host via water contact, especially in underdeveloped areas with limited access to sanitary facilities. A number of schistosome species, including S. mansoni, S. haematobium, S. japonicum, S. mekongi, S. guineensis, and S. intercalatum, are known to cause human schistosomiasis, which has two main forms: urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis. The transmission of schistosomiasis is controlled by broader social elements over and above the biological life cycle, with interactions between the factors dictating vulnerability to schistosomiasis. Poor sanitation and hygiene, the practice of eating raw vegetables and failing to wash one\'s hands before eating, a lack of access to safe water, open defecation, taking a bath, fishing, washing of clothes, and inadequate access to medical care can all contribute to the development of severe schistosomiasis in people. However, it is also considered a high-risk area for schistosomiasis infection due to the daily activities of the fishermen, who often engage in activities such as bathing, swimming, and washing clothes in the water bodies. Furthermore, the lack of public latrines nearby leads to some fishermen and fish processors easing themselves in open fields near lake shores, putting them at even higher risk.