Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2023-07-13
Yaws is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. It primarily affects children living in poor, rural communities in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
What is the prevalence of Yaws?
Prevalence of Yaws: how many people are affected worldwide, differences by sex and region, with sources.
Yaws is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. It primarily affects children living in poor, rural communities in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Yaws is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, typically during childhood.
The prevalence of Yaws has significantly decreased over the past decades due to global efforts to eliminate the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, there were an estimated 67,000 cases of Yaws worldwide. However, it is important to note that these numbers may not fully capture the true extent of the disease, as Yaws often occurs in remote areas with limited healthcare access and surveillance.
Efforts to control Yaws involve mass treatment campaigns with a single dose of oral antibiotics, which have proven to be highly effective. These campaigns aim to reach affected communities and treat both active cases and individuals at risk of developing the disease. Additionally, improving hygiene and living conditions can help prevent the spread of Yaws.
Eliminating Yaws as a public health problem is an achievable goal, and ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure the disease does not resurge. Continued surveillance, early detection, and prompt treatment are essential to reduce the prevalence of Yaws and ultimately eliminate it.
