infection⚑ High burden in India

Yaws

Yaws is a tropical of the skin, bones, and joints caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pertenue. The disease begins with a round, hard swelling of the skin, 2 to 5 cm in diameter. The center may break open and form an ulcer. This initial skin typically heals after 3–6 months. After weeks to years, joints and bones may become painful, may develop, and new skin may appear. The skin of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet may become thick and break open. The bones may become misshapen. After 5 years or more, large areas of skin may die, leaving scars.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·Hard swelling of the skin, ulcer, joint and bone pain

Causes — why it happens

·Treponema pallidum pertenue spread by direct contact

How it's found

·Based on symptoms, blood antibody tests, polymerase chain reaction

Prevention

·Mass treatment

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.