Scabies outbreak investigation and treatment in the Sekyere East District, Ghana: A call to end the neglect

Abstract: Scabies is a Neglected Tropical Disease, transmitted from person to person contact and indirectly through fomites. Though preventable, the burden and infection rate of scabies remain a menace with inadequate attention given to it in Ghana. This report presents an outcome of active disease surveillance and response measures undertaken by the District Health Management Team on the fight against the spread of scabies through case search, treatment, awareness creation, and advocacy campaigns. Students and teachers from 29 schools within the Sub District and 21,173 people in 8 communities were targeted for screening and treatment. In all, a mass drug administration was carried on 2,575 students and teachers, and 2,467 infected patients representing 11.58% from the 8 communities were treated using ivermectin 15% and 25% benzyl benzoate emulsion and Sulphur ointment. Response to the outbreak was hampered by inadequate resources and personnel resulting in low geographical and treatment coverage. Also, intensifying public education and health staff capacity building on case search and control is needed and therefore, the District Health Management Team calls for support from stakeholders in managing the situation.