Scabies outbreak investigation and treatment in the Sekyere East District, Ghana: A call to end the neglect

Cogent Medicine

Williams Agyemang-Duah¹  Sheila Ofori Addai²  Oppong Ampratwum²  Job Kusi³  Aziz Obeng⁴  Yaw Ampem Amoako⁵  Francis Gumah⁶  Ziblim Natogmah⁷  Michael Rockson Adjei⁸  Justice Thomas Sevugu⁸  Justice Ofori-Amoah⁸  Juliana Adu Mensah⁹  Gideon Asare^1,10 

[1] Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghan;Disease Control, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghan;Health Information, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghan;Health Promotion, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghan;Health Research,Not Applicable, Ghan;Health, World Vision Ghana, World Vision Sekyere Cluster, Ghan;Nutrition, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghan;Public Health, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghan;Reproductive Health, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghan;Surveillance, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghan;

关键词: Scabies;    sarcoptes scabiei;    Effiduase;    Sekyere;    Ashanti;   

DOI  :  10.1080/2331205X.2021.1964185

来源: Taylor & Francis

【 摘 要 】

Abstract: Scabies is a Neglected Tropical Disease, transmitted from person to person contact and indirectly through fomites. Though preventable, the burden and infection rate of scabies remain a menace with inadequate attention given to it in Ghana. This report presents an outcome of active disease surveillance and response measures undertaken by the District Health Management Team on the fight against the spread of scabies through case search, treatment, awareness creation, and advocacy campaigns. Students and teachers from 29 schools within the Sub District and 21,173 people in 8 communities were targeted for screening and treatment. In all, a mass drug administration was carried on 2,575 students and teachers, and 2,467 infected patients representing 11.58% from the 8 communities were treated using ivermectin 15% and 25% benzyl benzoate emulsion and Sulphur ointment. Response to the outbreak was hampered by inadequate resources and personnel resulting in low geographical and treatment coverage. Also, intensifying public education and health staff capacity building on case search and control is needed and therefore, the District Health Management Team calls for support from stakeholders in managing the situation.

【 授权许可】

CC BY