Jr. Carapetis et al., SUCCESS OF A SCABIES CONTROL PROGRAM IN AN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY, The Pediatric infectious disease journal, 16(5), 1997, pp. 494-499
Objective. To adapt, implement and evaluate a model of scabies control
in an Australian Aboriginal community. Methods. After initially exami
ning the population, we offered all residents treatment with 5% permet
hrin cream. Visits were made during the ensuing 25 months to rescreen
and to treat new-cases of scabies and contacts. Results. The prevalenc
e of scabies was reduced from 28.8% before the program to <10% during
the entire period (from 32.3% to <10% in children) (P < 0.01 for each
visit). The initial prevalence of pyoderma in children was 69.4%, whic
h was reduced and maintained at approximately one-half that rate durin
g the last 16 months (P < 0.004 for the last 4 visits). Residual pyode
rma in children was significantly less severe and no longer scabies-re
lated. Conclusions. This simplified model of scabies control had a sub
stantial effect on scabies prevalence and on pyoderma prevalence and s
everity which was sustained for >2 years. It could prove useful for ot
her communities with high rates of scabies and pyoderma.