Investigation and response to a scabies outbreak in a rural community in Biakoye District Ghana May 2025

Abstract Background Scabies is an underreported neglected tropical disease in Ghana, with outbreaks often occurring in rural communities where overcrowding and limited access to primary care facilitate transmission. On 19 May 2025, a suspected cluster of pruritic skin lesions was reported from Tapa Appiakrom, a farming village in Biakoye District. We conducted an investigation to confirm the outbreak, determine its magnitude, and implement control measures. Methods A descriptive epidemiological investigation was conducted from 20 to 24 May 2025. Active case finding was performed through house-to-house visits, clinical examinations, and interviews. Suspected, probable, and confirmed case definitions were applied. Skin scraping was performed for the index case and examined by microscopy. Data were analysed by person, place, and time. Control measures included ivermectin administration for cases and contacts and community sensitization. Results Nine cases were identified across three compounds (attack rate: 15.0% among examined residents [9/60] and 3.0% of the estimated village population [9/300]). The epidemic curve showed a propagated pattern of transmission consistent with person-to-person spread within households. Following ivermectin administration and brief health education delivered to approximately 60 residents, no new cases were detected two weeks after the intervention. Conclusion A scabies outbreak affecting nine individuals was confirmed in Tapa Appiakrom. Early event-based reporting by a community volunteer facilitated rapid detection. Prompt ivermectin treatment and community sensitization successfully contained the outbreak. Strengthening community surveillance and incorporating routine skin examinations into Community-based Health Planning and Services outreach could improve early detection and prevention of similar outbreaks in rural Ghana.