The Recent History of Parasitic Disease in China: The Case of Schistosomiasis, Some Public Health and Economic Aspects

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which the prevalence of schistosomiasis may have increased during the period 1958–1964. Certain hypotheses are examined, mainly dealing with irrigation and water conservancy construction. The probable economic and demographic effects of schistosomiasis are also examined. The article concludes that schistosomiasis prevalence probably did increase, but that the economic-demographic effects of this were probably minimal.