Outbreak Investigation of Scabies, Dembiya District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, 2017

This outbreak investigation describes 141 scabies cases identified in Atikilit‑Telemit Kebele, Dembiya District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, between August 18 and November 2, 2017. The overall attack rate was 2%, with zero deaths. Children aged 5–14 years were the most affected group, accounting for 32% of cases. Males had a higher attack rate (1.9%) than females (1.6%). Commonly affected body sites included finger webs, wrists, elbows, and anterior axillary lines. Analytical case‑control results showed significant associations between scabies infection and contact history (AOR 17), water shortage (AOR 3.3), infrequent bathing (AOR 1.5), and wearing clothes of infected persons. Protective factors included female sex (AOR 0.4) and handwashing with soap (AOR 0.6). The investigation confirmed active scabies transmission driven by poor hygiene, overcrowding, and limited water access, and recommended strengthened surveillance, hygiene promotion, community sensitization, and inclusion of scabies in emergency public health reporting systems. All content is directly supported by the attached document.   This outbreak investigation describes 141 scabies cases identified in Atikilit‑Telemit Kebele, Dembiya District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, between August 18 and November 2, 2017. The overall attack rate was 2%, with zero deaths. Children aged 5–14 years were the most affected group, accounting for 32% of cases. Males had a higher attack rate (1.9%) than females (1.6%). Commonly affected body sites included finger webs, wrists, elbows, and anterior axillary lines. Analytical case‑control results showed significant associations between scabies infection and contact history (AOR 17), water shortage (AOR 3.3), infrequent bathing (AOR 1.5), and wearing clothes of infected persons. Protective factors included female sex (AOR 0.4) and handwashing with soap (AOR 0.6). The investigation confirmed active scabies transmission driven by poor hygiene, overcrowding, and limited water access, and recommended strengthened surveillance, hygiene promotion, community sensitization, and inclusion of scabies in emergency public health reporting systems. All content is directly supported by the attached document.