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Scabies in Thai orphanages.
Chulabhorn Pruksachatkunakorn1, Antika Wongthanee, Varangthip Kasiwat
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. cpruksac@mail.med.cmu.ac.th
Summary
Sulfur effectively treated scabies outbreaks in Thai orphanages, reducing prevalence from 87.3% to under 10%. Ongoing follow-up is crucial for sustained scabies control and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Scabies outbreaks were identified in orphanages in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- Sulfur is the standard treatment for childhood scabies in Thailand.
- Mass treatment with sulfur was implemented in two affected orphanages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the prevalence of scabies in orphanages.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of sulfur mass treatment.
- To assess scabies prevalence one year post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a year-long survey in two orphanages.
- Performed examinations of children residing in the orphanages.
- Administered scabies treatment to affected children and their contacts.
Main Results:
- Initial scabies prevalence was 87.3%.
- Prevalence decreased to below 10% within two months post-treatment.
- This reduced prevalence was maintained throughout the one-year study period (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Sulfur is a cost-effective treatment for scabies outbreaks.
- Sustained scabies control requires ongoing follow-up post-mass treatment.
- Continuous monitoring is essential to prevent recurrence of scabies outbreaks.