Scabies and Bacterial Superinfection among American Samoan Children, 2011-2012.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Scabies, a highly pruritic and contagious mite infestation of the skin, is endemic among tropical regions and causes a substantial proportion of skin disease among lower-income countries. Delayed treatment can lead to bacterial superinfection, and treatment of close contacts is necessary to prevent reinfestation. We describe scabies incidence and superinfection among children in American Samoa (AS) to support scabies control recommendations.

Methodology/principal findings

We reviewed 2011-2012 pharmacy records from the only AS pharmacy to identify children aged ≤14 years with filled prescriptions for permethrin, the only scabicide available in AS. Medical records of identified children were reviewed for physician-diagnosed scabies during January 1, 2011-December 3

SUBMITTER: Edison L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4601791 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature