Understanding Yaws: A Comprehensive Exploration
The tropical disease yaws is of great concern to the public. It primarily affects underprivileged children. The bacterial infection Treponema Pertenue is responsible for this disease. It causes disfiguring bone and skin deformities. While yaws are rarely life-threatening conditions, they can cause severe disabilities and social stigma that significantly affect the lives of those affected. In spite of concerted effort by international health organizations, the yaws continue to be common in some regions because of various factors, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack awareness and socioeconomic conditions.
What Is Yaws?
The yaws infection is a chronic, bacterial infection that primarily affects the cartilage, skin and bones. World Health Organization reports over 89,000 reported cases worldwide between 2008-2012, the majority of which occurred in rural, poor communities in Africa Asia and South America. Children under 15 are most affected by the disease, which causes painful ulcers and sores.
Early, latent and tertiary are the three stages of disease progression. Early stage is characterised by an initial sore. Latent stage includes recurrent non-itchy lesions. Untreated, the disease can progress to the tertiary phase after 5 years. This leads to lesions that are destructive on both the skin and the bones.
Yaws: Common Causes
The bacteria that causes syphilis, Treponema Pertenue is the cause of yaws. It is spread by direct contact between the skin and the fluid of a sore that has a yaws. These are some of the most common risk factors.
- Overcrowded living conditions
- Unhygienic and poor sanitation practices
- Tropical climates are humid and warm.
Yaws Treatment
Antibiotics are the primary treatment option for yaws. WHO recommends the following treatment options:
- Initial trials have shown that a single dose azithromycin is 100% effective.
- The effectiveness of one single dose of benzathine, the treatment standard before azithromycin was introduced, is over 95% .
It is important to detect the illness early and treat it promptly in order to prevent the severe complications and spread of the virus.
Experts' opinions on Yaws
Tropical medicine experts and those in public health stress the need for a multifaceted approach to managing yaws. The yaws manager for WHO Dr. Kingsley Asiedu emphasizes the importance of early case detection, treatment and community involvement, as well as improved sanitation.
Yaws: Natural Remedies for Prevention and Treatment
Although there is no cure for yaws known, preventative measures can reduce its incidence. These are some helpful tips.
- Encourage community and personal cleanliness
- Do not touch yaws lesions directly
- If yaws appear, seek immediate medical attention.
Yaws, as a disease, is debilitating and primarily impacts children who live in areas of poverty. The disease is easily treated with antibiotics but continues to be a problem due to different socio-economic factors. It is hoped, with concerted efforts around the world, that yaws will be eliminated in the very near future.
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