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[Tinea corporis]

G Widders1, D Sagebiel

  • 1Gesundheitsamt im Bezirksamt Spandau von Berlin, Berlin. g.widders@ba-spandau.berlin.de

Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|April 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of Tinea corporis (ringworm) in a Berlin kindergarten affected nearly half of the children, particularly those aged 4-6 years. Extended treatment of affected skin areas proved most effective for control.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • A Berlin kindergarten experienced a significant outbreak of Tinea corporis between February 2011 and April 2012.
  • The outbreak involved 55 episodes, with 48% of all children affected, predominantly those aged 4-6 years.

Purpose:

  • To describe the epidemiology and control measures of a Tinea corporis outbreak in a kindergarten setting.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions in managing the outbreak.

Summary:

  • The outbreak confirmed 2 cases, with 16 probable, 24 suspicious, and 13 improbable cases of Tinea corporis.
  • Despite hygienic measures, the outbreak persisted, necessitating cooperation among public health services, medical staff, kindergarten employees, parents, and children.
  • Timely dermatological involvement and a uniform treatment approach were crucial. Extended treatment of affected skin areas within the kindergarten was the most effective control measure, although long treatment duration impacted adherence.

Impact:

  • Highlights the challenges in controlling superficial fungal infections in childcare settings.
  • Emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach involving healthcare professionals, educators, and parents for outbreak management.
  • Demonstrates that prolonged, localized treatment, despite adherence issues, can be effective in curbing widespread Tinea corporis transmission.

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