Abstract: 　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 COPT>3% was found in 195 cases (1.14%). The side-effects were slight. [Conclusion] Artesunate is highly effective and safe for the prevention of schistosomiasis.\;

Key words: Schistosoma japonicum, prevention, artesunate.