Yaws
Yaws
Yaws (pronunciation: /jɔːz/) is a tropical infection of the skin, bones and joints caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue. The disease is spread by direct contact with the fluid from a lesion of an infected person.
Etymology
The term "Yaws" is believed to be derived from the Carib language, yaya, meaning sore.
Symptoms
The first sign of Yaws is usually a painless but highly contagious skin lesion known as the "mother yaw". This is followed by a rash and the development of more skin lesions. If left untreated, the disease can lead to chronic disfigurement and disability.
Treatment
Yaws can be effectively treated with a single dose of the antibiotic penicillin. In cases of penicillin allergy, doxycycline or azithromycin may be used.
Epidemiology
Yaws is most common in warm, humid, and rural parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are currently over 500,000 cases of Yaws worldwide.
Prevention
Prevention of Yaws primarily involves early diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals, along with education about personal hygiene and the importance of avoiding direct skin contact with lesions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Yaws
- Wikipedia's article - Yaws
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