[Outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis in Anhui province in 2003].

Objective: To analyze the outbreak patterns of acute schistosomiasis in Anhui province in 2003.

Methods: The criteria of emergency event for schistosomiasis issued by the Ministry of Health were applled in this study. Epidemiological data of acute schistosomiasis outbreak in Anhui province in 2003 were collected, checked and analyzed.

Results: In 2003, there were 6 episodes of acute schistosomiasis outbreaks in Anhui which had met the criteria of being emergency events, issued by the Ministry of Health. The preplanning was initiated in 5 outbreaks to respond to the outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis. All of the acute schistosomiasis cases received timing treatment, except those misdiagnosed cases coming from the non-endemic areas. There were no deaths or follow-up cases during the outbreaks. Health education, preventive treatment for people living in high risk villages were conducted in order to timely control the epidemics of schistosomiasis.

Conclusion: The implementation of preplanning has played an important role in early cases-finding, timing report and response to the outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis.