Tungiasis: Outbreak investigation of a zoonosis during overseas deployment
Journal Title: Medical Journal Armed Forces - Year 2017, Vol 73, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Tungiasis is an ectoparasitosis caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans. It is endemic in the under privileged communities of Latin America, the Caribbean and Sub Saharan Africa with geographic and seasonal variations even within endemic areas. We describe investigation of an outbreak of Tungiasis in troops deployed as part of UN peacekeeping force in Central Africa. Methods: Tungiasis was diagnosed in an unusually large number of cases of severely pruritic boils over feet in soldiers of a UN peacekeeping battalion. An outbreak investigation was carried out and the outbreak was described in time, place and person distribution. A retrospective cohort study was done to ascertain the associated risk factors. Results: A total of 36 cases were identified of which 33 had laboratory confirmation. Of the 36 cases, 10(27.77%) had only Fortaleza Stage II lesions, 22 (61.11%) a combination of Fortaleza Stage II and III lesions and four (11.11%) cases had a combination of Stage, II, III and IV lesions. Secondary bacterial infection was seen in 25 (69.44%) cases. Epidemiological analysis revealed that it was a common source single exposure outbreak traced to a temporary campsite along one of the patrolling routes. Conclusion: In a Military setting an integrated approach combining health education and environmental control is required to prevent such outbreaks.
Authors and Affiliations
Aradhana Sood
Keywords
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- EP ID EP615356
- DOI 10.1016/j.mjafi.2017.08.011
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