An epidemiological study of scabies in a rural community in India.

An epidemiological survey for scabies was conducted in a rural community of 2771 persons among 404 households living in 238 houses. Prevalence rates were 13% by population and 30.9% by household. Each index case was responsible, on average, for the spread of infection to 1.9 persons in affected households. Significantly lower rates of secondary attack and transmissibility were observed among the more prosperous villagers. The proportion of infected households increased linearly with household size. The prevalence was highest in those aged up to 19 years, both sexes being affected equally. An average morbidity duration for scabies was 64.5 days; 16.3% of the patients showed secondary pyogenic infection of the skin.