Yaws is a tropical infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue. It primarily affects the skin, bones, and cartilage, leading to disfiguring and debilitating symptoms if left untreated. Yaws is prevalent in warm and humid regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
The disease is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual, typically during childhood. Initial symptoms include painless skin lesions, often on the extremities, which can progress to form large, ulcerative sores. If left untreated, yaws can cause bone and joint deformities, leading to severe disability.
Diagnosis of yaws involves clinical examination and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the bacterium. Treatment primarily involves a single dose of penicillin or other appropriate antibiotics, which effectively cure the infection.
Prevention strategies include early detection and treatment of cases, as well as implementing community-wide antibiotic treatment campaigns to interrupt transmission. Improved hygiene practices and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals can also help prevent the spread of yaws.
Efforts to eliminate yaws as a public health problem are ongoing, with the World Health Organization leading global initiatives to eradicate the disease by 2030.