Yaws in the periurban settlements of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

ABSTRACT

Yaws is a re-emerging disease in Papua New Guinea. A resurgence of yaws is documented in the periurban settlements around Port Moresby. A total of 494 cases were identified from April 2000 to September 2001. The age distribution ranged from 2 years to adult (median 9 years). Presenting symptoms were adequately recorded in 286 cases (58%). Of these, 42% presented with raised painless sores, 47% with bone/joint symptoms only and 11% with both sores and bone/joint symptoms. Children in communities with a suspected high prevalence were surveyed and examined for presence of primary yaws sores. 33 out of 227 children examined (15%) had evidence of primary yaws sores. Initial control measures have been case-finding and treatment of contacts, but in areas of known high prevalence mass treatment is planned.