Epidemiology and control of enterobiasis in a developmental center.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if enterobiasis could be controlled in a developmental center.


METHODS
Population-based study. Annual screening of all residents by perianal swabs for enterobiasis and on admission or discharge. Treatment of infected residents and their contacts with mebendazole, 100 mg orally, with two doses given 14 days apart.


METHODS
The number of residents with enterobiasis and the cost of the program.


RESULTS
The prevalence of enterobiasis fell rapidly and progressively, from 21% before mass medication to 1% after 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Mass medication of residents with enterobiasis and their contacts was beneficial, harmless, and cost effective.
Lohiya
G S
GS
Fairview Developmental Center, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
Tan-Figueroa
L
L
Crinella
F M
FM
Lohiya
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017229:Enterobiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008463:Mebendazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D012112:Residential Facilities
D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D008463:Mebendazole