Flood-affected communities in the lower Volta Basin may see an increase in female genital Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) as aquatic weeds carrying freshwater snails—carriers of the parasites—have gotten closer to Volta River-affected communities.
In a Citi News interview, Dr. Senanu Djokoto, the Deputy Health Director overseeing public health in the Volta Region, clarified that while the number of bilharzia cases in the area has not increased over time, the prevalence rate in the lower Volta Basin may be rising as a result of the Akosombo and Kpong Dam spills and their potential to negatively impact people due to increased exposure to parasites.
However, he said, the Volta River Authority and the Ghana Health Service are collaborating to make sure the right measures are implemented to lower the number of such cases. He advised people living in these areas not to put water into the river.
“The Volta Regional Health Directorate’s data does not indicate that the number of cases of schistosomiasis has increased during this time. However, when a survey was done in 2015, we found that most of the communities around the Volta Basin had lower prevalence rates of schistosomiasis. Typically, it is classified as mild to moderate.
But, as a result of this year’s flooding in the Volta Basin, the aquatic weeds carrying the freshwater snails carrying the young parasites—which pierce people who come into contact with the contaminated water—have moved closer to the neighborhoods. As a result, there is a high chance of coming into contact with the parasite’s larval form, and once this happens, there is a strong indication that the number of schistosomiasis cases will rise.
Schistosomiasis, commonly referred to as bilharzia, is brought on by parasitic worms. As far as parasitic diseases go, this one is the second most devastating, only surpassed by malaria. One of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is schistosomiasis. Some species of freshwater snails are home to the parasites that cause schistosomiasis. The parasite’s infectious form, cercariae, emerges from the snail and enters the water. If tainted freshwater comes into contact with your skin, you could contract an infection. The majority of human infections are caused by S. japonicum, S. haematobium, or Schistosoma mansoni.
