In this study, the results obtained in a control programme
of schistosomiasis in Ravena (Sabara, Minas Gerais) between
1980 and 1992 are evaluated. Control measures used in this
programme were: specific treatment of the people infected with
Schistosoma mansoni at four year-intervals (1980/84/88)
and the supply of tap water to 90% of the residences in 1980.
A significant reduction of the prevalence (36.7% to 11.5%,
p{=0.05) and of the intensity of the infection (228.9 eggs per
gram of feces (epg), s = 3.7 to 60.3 epg, s = 3.5, p{=0.05)
was observed. No cases of the severe form of the disease were
diagnosed in the area. Factors independently associated with
the infection were in 1980 daily sand extraction and the lack
of tap water in residences and in 1992 daily sand extraction
and fishing and weekly swimming. Concluding, the supply of tap
water together with quadrennial treatments significantly
diminished both the prevalence and intensity of the S.
mansoni infection, with the additional gain of persistent
low indices even after four-year intervals between the
treatments.
