Ethiopian Field Epidemiology Training Program (EFETP) Compiled Body of Works in Field Epidemiology
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Date
2017-06
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: Scabies is an allergic response to an infestation of the skin by the scabies mite.
Lymphadenopathy, acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever are
complications related with scabies due to secondary bacterial infection. World health
organization listed the problem as one of the neglected tropical diseases. Regional health bureau
was notified about the outbreak on September 24/2016. Investigation and control activities were
started on October 13/2016.The aim of the investigation was to identify source, control the
outbreak and assess risk factors associated with it.
Methods: We employed descriptive followed by unmatched case-control study design in a ratio
of 1:2. Patients were recruited from temporary treatment sites. Controls were recruited from the
nearby community by house to house visit and ensuring no scabies patient in the family.
Additionally, line listing of cases was done to carry out descriptive analysis. Structured
questionnaire was used to collect data.
Result:
Descriptive: The outbreak started in March and ended in October 2016. We line listed 1958
(males 1092 and females 866) patients with scabies. One thousand two hundred eighty eight
(65%) were less than 15 years of age. Age ranged from 2 month to 84 years with median age of
12years. Overall attack rate was 4%. The outbreak affected 15 kebeles (Lowest government
structure) from the total of 84.
Analytical: We enrolled 100 cases and 200 controls. History of contact with a patient of scabies
(P<0.00001) and age less than 18 years (P<0.0001) were among risk factors associated with the
outbreak.
Conclusion: Religious boarding school was implicated as a source of the outbreak. Community
mobilized and outbreak controlled according to the guideline of scabies. We strongly
recommend the regional health bureau to incorporate scabies surveillance in the integrated
disease surveillance system of the region
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Ethiopian Field Epidemiology Training