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Swamp Rice Development, Schistosomiasis, and Onchocerciasis in Southeast Sierra Leone^*

Peter T. White, Mary Coleman AND B. P. Jupp

Seventy-four villages in eastern Sierra Leone, West Africa, many having a recently developed rice swamp, were surveyed for the presence of schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis, and their vectors. Prevalence rates for Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni were low, although the infections were widespread. There is some evidence that S. mansoni is extending its range in Sierra Leone although this is problematical because of the apparent absence of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the recognized snail vector, from areas where the disease now occurs. The characteristics of the rice swamp environment now being created in Sierra Leone are described and results of snail collections, which were with few exceptions small, are presented. Reasons for the apparent unsuitability of the developed rice swamp as a snail habitat are discussed. Onchocerciasis was found in all villages and the prevalence rate, almost 50%, was high. The rice swamp is not a suitable breeding site for Simulium damnosum s.l., but the study area is crossed by several major rivers and all villages in the area are within flying distance of potential breeding sites. There was no positive evidence that expansion of swamp rice farming will increase the incidence of water based/related diseases but a control program for onchocerciasis, which is a major rural health problem, would seem to be a national priority.

Accepted for publication October 13, 1981.

^* This investigation was supported by Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO/SUCO), CARE, U.S.A., and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Development.

Address reprint requests to: P. T. White, Department of Biological Sciences, Njala University College, P.M.B. Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Present address: Department of Botany, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.