AN OVERVIEW OF MASS DISINFESTATION PROCEDURES AS A MEANS TO PREVENT EPIDEMIC TYPHUS

Abstract:
In many parts of the world louse-borne disease, particularly epidemic typhus, is a risk to refugees and displaced persons as well as those involved in humanitarian relief programmes. This paper discusses the methods of mass disinfestation employed in past programmes, the infrastructure that enabled them to succeed and and the reasons why mass disinfestation using dusts is unlikely to work in the future. proposals and improvements appropriate to current situations are outlined.