searching for 20 minutes (2 snails/man/hr). N0 schistosome cercariae were observed in the 4 snaiIs. No 0. quadrasi was observed in the rice-fields.
Another survey was conducted on 14 August by 7 men and no snails were found in the creek Kanggabok is now on the verge of eliminating 0. quadrasi.
2.2 Clearing and mollusciciding
The 0maguin irrigation canal, pockets and seepages were covered by dense grasses, weeds and surrounded by some shrubs and trees. Clearing operations with 2 sets of mowing machines and mollusciciding with 40kg niclosamide were done on 14 and.l9 August. Four temporary laborers were employed for the operations. Clearing followed by mollusciciding with 20 kg niclosamide will be carried out aIso in Kanggabok creek and the adjacent rice-fields in this week
2.3 Rechecks ot the new COP-positive pupils
In a survey conducted by the STRC, Palo, in December l995, a totai of new 32 COP-positive pupils was found in the municipalities of Talibon and Trinidad. In order to reconfirm the results, a smail amount of blood sample was taken from thc 27 COP-positive pupils in August 1996 and examined for COP in the labortory of Dokkyo University School of Medicine. Only one pupil showed COP-positive.
3. Comments and recommendations
3.1 Some unknown snaii positive sites may be found further in other barangays. Based on our epidemiological house to house survey data, the continued efforts should be made to locate other unknown snail colonies. Clearing and mollusciciding are to be done immediately new snail-breeding sites are found.
3.2 It is requested that clearing and mollusciciding at 3 months' intervals be carried out not only in the Omaguin irrigation canal, pockets, and seepages, San Roque, but also in Kanggabok, San Vicenta Further operations will be done in these sites in November by the Bohol SCT staff with help from 4 temporary employtes. Please send 10 drums (200kg) of niciosamide to Trinidad, Bohol as soon as possible.
4. Acknowledgements
For the unlimited technicai assistance received from the staff involved in schistosomiasis control in Oriental Mindoro and Bohol, we wish record our deep gratitude. Sincere appreciation is also expresssed to Dr.Ducusin as well as the staff of SCS-DOH for their help and support.
With best wishes,
Sinterely yours,
