[The effect of artesunate in preventing the populations from Schistosoma japonicum infection during flood-control].

Objective] To evaluate the prophylactic effect of artesunate in high\|risk populations who had contacted the infested water.[Methods] From the 7th day post\|exposure to infested water, a total of 17 031 people who had contacted the infested water for more than 20 days had been treated with artesunate at a dose of 300 mg once a week for three successive weeks. On day 17 after the last medication, they were examined for schistosomiasis and followed\|up 60 days later. [Results] No acute schistosomiasis case was found. ELISA\|positive was found in 204(1\^20%) and COPT3% was found in 195 cases (1\^14%). The side\|effects were slight. [Conclusion] Artesunate is highly effective and safe for the prevention of schistosomiasis.\;