What We Do
Urogenital schistosomiasis has been subject to epidemiological surveillance by Santé publique France since the detection of locally acquired cases in metropolitan France.
While most cases of schistosomiasis diagnosed in France are found among tourists, expatriates, and migrants from endemic areas, a local transmission cluster has been identified in Southern Corsica. Since this disease can lead to serious long-term complications if left untreated, Santé publique France’s efforts focus on two main areas: surveillance and prevention.
Epidemiological surveillance of urogenital schistosomiasis
Since the detection of the disease’s emergence in the Cavu River (Southern Corsica), Santé publique France has been conducting national surveillance of indigenous urogenital schistosomiasis through the system for notifiable diseases to monitor the extent of disease transmission at known contaminated sites and detect any new transmission sites.
Mandatory reporting
Mandatory reporting involves collecting as comprehensive information as possible regarding all cases of certain diseases known as “notifiable diseases” from laboratory technicians and physicians.
With regard to autochthonous urogenital schistosomiasis, prescribing clinicians or laboratory professionals must immediately notify the physician at the Regional Health Agency (ARS) in their area of practice, by any appropriate means (phone, fax, email), of any person—with or without symptoms—who meets the criteria in the table below.
Case Definitions
| Probable case | Confirmed case |
|---|---|
| Two positive serological screening tests using different techniques or, in case of discordance, a positive Western blot serological test (S. mansoni + S. haematobium antigen) | Presence of S. haematobium eggs on parasitological urine examination or on histopathological examination of a bladder and/or rectal biopsy |
| WITHOUT a history of contact with freshwater in a classic (tropical) endemic area. | |
Notification Form
Informing the public about the reporting of notifiable diseases
Preventive measures against urogenital schistosomiasis
Cases reported under the mandatory reporting system are investigated by the ARS and the Cire to identify any new transmission sites and prevent an outbreak.
In relation to
Water
thematic dossier
Whether microbiological or chemical, the sources of contamination in the water supply are varied and can have an impact on public health.
