Prevalence, intensity and risk factors of tungiasis in Kilifi County, Kenya: I. Results from a community-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by female sand fleas (Tunga penetrans) embedded in the skin. The disease is associated with important morbidity. Tungiasis is endemic along the Coast of Kenya with a prevalence ranging from 11% to 50% in school-age children. Hitherto, studies on epidemiological characteristics of tungiasis in Africa are scanty.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study 1,086 individuals from 233 households in eight villages located in Kakuyuni and Malanga Sub-locations, Kilifi County, on the Kenyan Coast, were investigated. Study participants were examined systematically and the presence and severity of tungiasis were determined using standard methods. Demographic, socio-economic, environmental and behavioral risk factors of tungiasis were

SUBMITTER: Wiese S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5648262 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature