WHO Multimedia Library

Reference ID U27Q2R

Headline Yaws in the WHO African region

Description Yaws (also known as frambesia tropica, thymosis, polypapilloma tropicum, parangi, bouba, frambösie and pian) is a tropical infection of the skin, bones and joints caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue. The disease begins with a round, hard swelling of the skin, 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter. The center may break open and form an ulcer. This initial skin lesion typically heals after three to six months. After weeks to years, joints and bones may become painful, fatigue may develop, and new skin lesions may appear. The skin of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet may become thick and break open. The bones (especially those of the nose) may become misshapen. After five years or more large areas of skin death with subsequent scarring may occur. Yaws is spread by direct contact with the fluid from a lesion of an infected person. The contact is usually of a non-sexual nature. The disease is most common among children, who spread it by playing together. Other related treponemal diseases are bejel (Treponema pallidum endemicum), pinta (Treponema pallidum carateum), and syphilis (Treponema pallidum pallidum). Yaws is often diagnosed by the appearance of the lesions. Blood antibody tests may be useful but cannot separate previous from current infections. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most accurate method of diagnosis. Prevention is, in part, by curing those who have the disease thereby decreasing the risk of transmission. Where the disease is common, treating the entire community is effective. Improving cleanliness and sanitation will also decrease spread. Treatment is typically with antibiotics including: azithromycin by mouth or benzathine penicillin by injection. Without treatment, physical deformities occur in 10% of cases. In the 1950s and 1960s the World Health Organization nearly eradicated yaws. Since then the number of cases has increased and there are renewed efforts to globally eradicate the disease by 2020.

A mother brings her child for treatment during a WHO-assisted mass campaign in Nigeria.

c.1955

Asset date 01/01/1955

Country, area, WHO office Nigeria

City Nsukka

WHO Region AFRO

Consent No

File size 1.86 MB

Visibility class:

Public

Administered By HQ Records and Archives

Usage & views counts Usage (0) Views (51)