The causative organism, Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, is closely genetically related to T. pallidum subspecies pallidum, which causes syphilis, bejel, and pinta.
The disease is found mainly in poor communities in warm, humid, tropical forested areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific. Most affected populations live at the end of the road, far from health services. Poverty, low socioeconomic conditions and poor personal hygiene facilitate the spread of yaws.
Scope of the problem
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment and care
Prevention and control
WHO response
Scope of the problem
Approximately 75-80% of people affected by yaws are philippines email list children under 15 years of age. Peak incidence occurs in children 6-10 years of age, and males and females are affected equally. Transmission is through person-to-person contact from minor lesions. The initial lesion of yaws is teeming with bacteria. Most lesions occur on the extremities. The incubation period is 9-90 days, with an average of 21 days. Without treatment, infection can lead to chronic disfigurement and disability.
In 2013, 13 countries were known to be endemic for yaws. Since then, through intensive surveillance activities, 2 additional countries reported confirmed cases (Liberia and the Philippines)(1) and 3 countries reported suspected cases of yaws (Colombia, Ecuador and Haiti). Of the countries and territories known to be endemic in the 1950s, at least 76 need to be assessed to determine whether the disease is still present. This can be done through integrated surveillance with other diseases,
