Epidemiologic aspects of scabies in Mali, Malawi, and Cambodia

Abstract

Background The prevalence rates of scabies are compared in Bamako, Mali, Karonga District, Malawi, and Battambang Province, Cambodia. Methods In Mali, children attending three different urban schools catering for different socio‐economic levels were examined specifically for scabies. In Malawi, data were collected during a total population survey for leprosy. In Cambodia, a sample survey was carried out in a rural area to determine the prevalence of leprosy and other skin diseases. Results In Mali, the prevalence rate of scabies among all the children examined was 4% (44/1103), but only 1.8%^7/388 in the higher socio‐economic group. In Malawi, the overall prevalence rate of scabies was 0.7%^408/61,735. The highest rate (1.1%) was found among children 0–9 years of age. In Cambodia, the overall prevalence in the 13 villages screened was 4.3%^645/14,843. The highest rate (6.5%) was found among children 0–9 years of age. Conclusions Scabies was most prevalent among children in Cambodia and Malawi, but there were considerable differences in the overall rates between the two areas studied. The data from all three countries indicate that poor socio‐economic conditions, in particular crowding and public water supplies, are risk factors for scabies.