Burden and associated factors of Scabies outbreak in Guna-begemidir district, south Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2018

Background: Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite ( Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis ). The parasite is found worldwide and affects people of all races and social classes. Studies shows that the prevalence of scabies is far different as 0.2% in developed countries up to 24% in developing countries. Ethiopia also reports scabies outbreak frequently since 2017. Recent studies show that the attack rate was 25% in Gondar city in Yekolo-temaries and 11% at Badewacho District, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A community based unmatched case-control (1:2 ratios) study was conducted in guna-begemidir district, using collected scabies line listed data and face to face interview to assess risk factors from January to February 2018 with sample size of 156 cases and 312 control. The data were collected using structured questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS version 22 statistical software. Odds Ratios (OR), P value and 95% Confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine associated factors. Result A total of 4269 scabies case were reported from the district, attack rate of 7.9%. Of those cases 2254 (52.8%) were males. 10 (52.6%) kebeles were affected by the outbreak. The attack rate varies by kebeles which ranges from 0.88% to 25.5%. The highest attack rate was in mena-medihanealem kebele which is 25.5%. Sleeping with Scabies Patients, washing with scabies patients in the past 6 months, putting of cloths with diseased patient cloths and Household daily water consumption were significantly associated with scabies diseases on multivariable analysis. Conclusion and recommendation Scabies is public health problem in the district. Due to delayed detection and response, the disease was highly disseminated mainly because of drug shortage throughout the region. We recommend enhancing, strong ongoing active case surveillance of scabies; health education & availing drugs to all health facilities and do more on the above significant variables.