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A community outbreak of scabies
American Journal of Epidemiology
|December 1, 1976
Summary
A 1975 scabies outbreak in Florida elementary school children highlighted that most transmission occurred within families and the community, not between grades. Sharing clothes and overnight stays increased infestation risk.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Dermatology
Background:
- A scabies outbreak occurred in an elementary school in Broward County, Florida, during January and February 1975.
- The initial case was identified in July 1974, with a significant increase in cases after December.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transmission patterns of a scabies outbreak in an elementary school setting.
- To identify risk factors associated with scabies infestation among schoolchildren and their families.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and historical data were used to identify cases of scabies.
- Investigation focused on transmission routes within the school, families, and the wider community.
Main Results:
- A total of 23 schoolchildren were diagnosed with scabies, with cases present in every grade.
- An additional 28 cases were identified in family members and close contacts, totaling 51 cases across 24 families.
- Transmission was primarily observed within households and the community, with limited spread between different school grades.
Conclusions:
- Scabies transmission in this outbreak was largely driven by close family and community contact.
- Risk factors for infestation included sharing clothing and overnight stays with peers, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and contact tracing in controlling outbreaks.