Prevalence of skin disorders among primary-school children in Baghdad governorate, Iraq

To determine the prevalence of skin diseases among primary-school children in Baghdad, Iraq, a total of 2160 schoolchildren were randomly selected from 30 primary schools. Sociodemographic data were collected from each pupil and exposed parts of the body of each child were clinically examined. The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 40.9%. A significant association between the prevalence of skin diseases with education level of parents was demonstrated. The prevalence rates of transmissible and nontransmissible skin diseases were 8.8% and 33.7% respectively. The high prevalence rate may reflect prevailing low socioeconomic conditions

Viral hepatitis E outbreak in Al Sodr city, Baghdad, Iraq

Hepatitis E virus [HEV] is a major cause of acute hepatitis in many developing countries. This study describes an outbreak of HEV infection in Al-Sadr city, Baghdad. Blood samples obtained from patients with jaundice attending 19 primary health care centres in Al-Sadr city during a 6-month period in 2005 were tested for HEV. HEV [IgM] antibodies were detected in 38.1% of 268 patients. The association of HEV infection with unacceptable residual chlorine concentrations and/or bacteriologically unsafe water samples was significant. High rates of HEV infection, low chlorine concentrations and unsafe water were reported in June. Gross disruption of sanitation and water supplies was the most likely contributing factor