Prevelance and intensity of Urogenital Schistosomiasis among school children in Spill Way community of Ikere Gorge Dam, Iseyin LGA, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Urogenital schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, remains endemic in Nigeria and continues to pose a significant public health challenge, especially among school-aged children in rural communities. Many areas with active transmission remain unmapped for intervention. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors associated with urogenital schistosomiasis among primary school children in Spill Way community, Ikere Gorge Dam, Oyo State, Nigeria, a remote area where residents frequently come into contact with dam water. A total of 109 school-aged children (53 females and 56 males; aged 2–20 years) voluntarily participated. A pretested questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic data and information on water contact behaviours. Urine samples were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using standard parasitological sedimentation techniques. Hematuria was screened using chemical reagent strips. Overall, 21 (19.3%) participants were positive for S. haematobium eggs, with the 6–10-year-old age group showing the highest prevalence (21.1%). Two (9.5%) of the infected participants had heavy infections (≥50 eggs/10 ml of urine). There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in infection rates between males and females. Additionally, 42 (38.5%) participants exhibited hematuria. The findings indicate ongoing transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis within the community. All infected children were treated with praziquantel (40mg/kg) by the Local Government Area Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) coordinators. This study highlights the urgent need for sustained community-based interventions, including mass drug administration; improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices; and health education to reduce transmission and safeguard the health of school-aged children in endemic rural settings.