In:
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 14, No. 12 ( 2020-12-22), p. e0008902-
Abstract:
There is a dearth of data on scabies from Ghana. In September 2019, local health authorities in the East Mamprusi district of northern Ghana received reports of scabies from many parts of the district. Due to on-going reports of more cases, an assessment team visited the communities to assess the effect of the earlier individual treatment on the outbreak. The assessment team furthermore aimed to contribute to the data on scabies burden in Ghana and to demonstrate the use of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) diagnostic tool in a field survey in a resource limited setting. Methodology/Principal findings This was a cross sectional study. Demographic information and medical history was collected on all participants using a REDCap questionnaire. A standardised skin examination of exposed regions of the body was performed on all participants. Scabies was diagnosed based on the criteria of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS). Participants were mostly female (61.5%) and had a median age of 18.8 years (IQR 13–25). Two hundred out of 283 (71%) of participants had scabies with most (47%) presenting with moderate disease. Impetigo was found in 22% of participants with scabies and 10.8% of those without scabies [RR 2.27 (95% CI 1.21–4.27)] . 119 participants who received scabies treatment in the past months still had clinical evidence of the disease. 97% of participants reported a recent scabies contact. Scabies was commoner in participants ≤16 years compared to those 〉 16 years [RR 3.06 (95% CI 1.73–5.45)]. Conclusion/Significance The prevalence of scabies was extremely high. The lack of a systematic approach to scabies treatment led to recurrence and ongoing community spread. The IACS criteria was useful in this outbreak assessment in Ghana. Alternative strategies such as Mass drug administration may be required to contain outbreaks early in such settings.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1935-2735
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.t003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.t004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r008
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r009
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902.r010
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2020
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2429704-5
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