Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Ministry of Health and Child Care will on Monday start rolling out a mass vaccination and treatment programme against bilharzia in selected wards under the Beitbridge district where there is a surge in new infections.
In a public notice on Wednesday, the ministry said the initiative will run from June 23 to June 27.
The campaign will be carried out in wards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12, which have been identified as the current bilharzia hotspots by local health officials.
“The campaign will target children from 5 years and above and community members are encouraged to visit the nearest schools, clinics or vaccination centres in the selected wards where treatment will be free for adults and children. Those seeking more information may contact Beitbridge health officials on 0782 091 863 or 0773 585 642,” said the Ministry.
Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is a disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomes.
It’s contracted when people come into contact with freshwater that contains the larval form of these worms, often through activities like swimming, bathing, or washing clothes.
The larvae penetrate the skin and develop into adult worms, which live in the blood vessels.
The disease is treated with the medication praziquantel, which is a single-dose medication, usually taken with food and water.
It is understood that praziquantel is effective against all major species of the Schistosoma parasite.
In addition, it is most effective when the worms have grown a bit, so treatment may need to be repeated a few weeks after the initial dose.
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