M.J. Whitfeld, L. Romani, K. Haar, M. Tuicakau, M. Hamid, J. Koroivueta, J. Kaldor, H. Wand, H. Thein, J. Kado, L Tikoduadua, R. Andrews, R.A. Steer
2003 Whitfeld 2nd Fiji Dermatology Meeting: A statement
by Fijian doctors and nurses that scabies was their biggest
health issue, due to its prevalence and its serious complications,
including sepsis and glomerulonephritis. Mass Drug
administration with ivermectin was discussed. Subsequent
meeting with Koroivueta.
2004 Whitfeld: A community based trial comparing Benzyl
benzoate and ivermectin was undertaken which showed a
scabies prevalence rate of 28% and 38%, and that Ivermectin
and benzyl benzoate appeared equally effective in treating
scabies.
2006 Steer: A survey of 3000 school children and 400 infants
survey showed that 36% of school children and 13% of
infants had impetigo, and it was associated with scabies in
33% and 73% of cases, respectively and that 52% of child
health visits in Fiji were for impetigo scabies or both.
2007 Steer: A prospective longitudinal study of scabies and
impetigo in 450 Fijian school children over a period of 10
months documented the incidence of scabies at 51 cases per
100 child-years.
2007 Whitfeld: A cross-sectional study of over 13,000 participants
in 96 sites to assess the prevalence of scabies and
skin sores in Fiji showed an overall prevalence of scabies
of 23% (37% and 51% in children aged 0–3 years and
4–7 year2007 Whitfeld, Steer and Koroivueta meet, realize they
have communal goals of scabies control for Fiji.
2009: A trial of Permethrin vs ivermectin in an isolated
community setting is proposed.
2010: With Whitfeld at the lead, NHMRC grant
unsuccessful.
2011 With Steer at the lead, $685,000 granted by the NHMRC.
7 Chief Investigators and 5 associate investigators from Fiji
and Australia.
2012–2014: Study to be undertaken, already underway.