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Australas J Dermatol
; 43(4): 274-7, 2002 Nov.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12423434
ABSTRACT
Scabies remains a major problem in Aboriginal communities within the Northern Territory of Australia. Secondary skin infection with Group A streptococcus (GAS) is very common and post-streptococcal disease rates remain high. Treating families in isolation will have only limited success, as reinfection frequently occurs as a result of the high levels of movement between households and communities. We describe the results of a successful community intervention to reduce scabies and GAS skin infection in one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, 15 months post-intervention, and we discuss factors that have led to the success and sustainability of the program.