RESUMO
A review of the epidemiological status of urinary schistosomiasis and intestinal schistosomiasis in Israel is made. The ecology, bionomy and geographical distribution of the snail vectors were studied and research on their vectorial capacity to the imported Schistosoma strains was undertaken. Biomphalaria alexandrina, the snail vector of S. mansomi, was eradicated through ecological factors (salinity and pollution by sewage) and human activities. The elimination of snail vectors by applications of chemicals succeeded when the entire infested foci were isolated. The factors responsible for the reappearance of snail vectors after those chemical applications are described. Examples are given of successfully combined measures used for the control of snail vectors; increase of water currents to over 20 cm/sec, rapid emptying and drying up of water reservoirs, weekly deflection of infested water courses in different directions, etc. In 1951, 19 schoolchildren became infected with S. mansoni and in 1955, 97 schoolchildren became infected with S. haematobium. Since 1955 no more new infections with Schistosomiasis have been reported in Israel.
Assuntos
Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/história , Esquistossomose/prevenção & controle , Biomphalaria/parasitologia , Bulinus/parasitologia , Criança , Surtos de Doenças/história , História do Século XX , Humanos , Israel , Schistosoma haematobium , Schistosoma mansoni , Esquistossomose/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Wide-scale antimalaria activities have been continuously carried out in Israel since 1918. Regular checking and tracing of Anopheles provided important information on the seasonal appearance, life habits, flight range and population density of the malaria vectors. This method enabled us at any time to assess the degree of malaria risk and the effectiveness of the control measures taken. Specific methods of vector control were applied in accordance with the bionomy of the various Anophelines transmitting malaria. No resistance of local malaria vectors to DDT was found in 1961, probably due to the general use of larvicides not containing residual insecticides (including DDT) and the mode of indoor DDT application; spraying in selected localities and special timing in accordance with the bionomy of the local vectors. The relation between the changed status of the various Anopheles vectors and changes in the epidemiology of primary malaria cases in the course of time is also described. Malaria eradication in Israel was practically achieved in 1962.
