[The prevalence of yaws among the Aka in the Congo]

Med Sante Trop. 2013 May 1;23(2):231-2. doi: 10.1684/mst.2013.0220.
[Article in French]

Abstract

This study, conducted in 2012 in two districts of the Congo (Bétou and Enyellé), screened for yaws (endemic treponemiasis) that could be treated by a single dose of azithromycin. The screening involved a clinical history, followed by a clinical examination of the children reporting dermatological problems. A rapid diagnostic test for treponema was performed on the children with suspicious lesions. Of 6215 children screened, 485 (7.8%) had such lesions; 480 (99.0%) of them had a rapid diagnostic test, and it was positive for 183 (38.1%). This so-called Morges strategy is aimed at eradicating yaws in endemic areas.

Keywords: Congo; Yaws; endemic treponemiasis; pygmies.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Congo / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Yaws / epidemiology*