Biomphalaria pfeifferi infected with Schistosoma spp. in Kakamega and Bungoma counties, western Kenya confirms autochthonous transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis

A snail survey conducted in Kakamega and Bungoma counties following high schistosomiasis cases confirmed that transmission is actively occurring locally. Out of 4,245 freshwater snails collected near high-risk school areas, about 79% were Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the key carrier of the disease, and 2.6% were actively releasing infectious parasites. The presence of infected snails in most surveyed sites, particularly in streams and swamps, demonstrates ongoing transmission rather than past exposure. The findings highlight the need to complement mass drug treatment with targeted snail control in high-risk areas to effectively interrupt transmission

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