• Okete James Agada
  Department of Zoology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, P.M.B.2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
  




• Atsuwe Terese Simon
  Department of Zoology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, P.M.B.2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
  




• Erishe David Alekwu
  Department Environmental and Sanitation, Obanliku Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria
  

Mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel is an intervention used in the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. This longitudinal study assessed the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection and the relative index of potential contamination among school children in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, at three, six and nine months after mass administration of praziquantel. A total of 3,810 children aged 5–19 years were examined at the first survey, 3,612 at the second survey and 2,Mbatyula recorded the highest prevalence at three months (25.0%) and remained among the highest-prevalence wards at six and nine months (14.9% at each survey). The Rel. IPC for the 5–9, 10–14 and 15–19-year age groups was 15.45%, 61.32% and 23.22%, respectively, at three months; 14.48%, 61.85% and 23.67% at six months; and 14.06%, 63.38% and 22.55% at nine months. The 10–14-year age group therefore contributed the largest proportion of estimated environmental contamination throughout follow-up. The findings indicate persistent transmission after praziquantel administration and support continued surveillance, repeated treatment where indicated, improved access to safe water and sanitation, and targeted health education in high-risk communities.918 in the ward-level for the third survey. Urine samples collected between 10:00 and 14:00 h were examined by reagent-strip testing and microscopy following sedimentation. At three months, 468/3,810 (12.28%) children were infected; at six months, 275/3,612 (7.61%) were infected; and at nine months, 248/2,918 (8.50%) were infected.