Monrovia – Over 1,700 people in six counties have been confirmed infected with a skin disease that appears to be showing the signs and symptoms of scabies, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) says. There has been no mortality, but the public health concern of the situation now points to discrimination of affected people, NPHIL told FrontPageAfrica. Concerns over timely intervention by the health sector to treat patients and sensitize the public about the prevention of the “rare skin disease” are increasing as speculations of its cause also heighten. Investigation is continuing with active case finding to see how best to manage and deal with the cases, Dr. Jetoh added. Health authorities in Liberia have expressed uncertainty over the specific type of skin disease but said the signs and symptoms patients are showing point to scabies.

Source: Front Page Africa January 09, 2018 02:15 UTC