An outbreak of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in remote Far North Queensland.

BACKGROUND

To observe and record an outbreak of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) in the Lockhart River community in 2005 and the steps taken by health workers to contain the epidemic.

METHODS

A descriptive study of cases of APSGN and children aged from 2 to 12 years involved in the screening program.

SETTING

A remote indigenous community in Far North Queensland.

PARTICIPANTS

All children aged from 2 to 12 years in the Lockhart River community.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven children were screened. And 46% were found to have infected scabies.

CONCLUSIONS

There were 11 confirmed cases of APSGN over four months from February to May. Infected scabies was the main preceding finding in these children.