Prevalence of molluscum contagiosum disease in day care centers in Babol, Northern Iran

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin disease commonly affects children. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of molluscum contagiosum in day care centers in Babol, Northern Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 986 children from 19-day care centers; in the second half of 2005. Obtained data in all children were analyzed. Four hundred sixty seven girls and 519 boys aged between 1.5-5 years were evaluated. The prevalence of molluscum contagiosum in girls was 1.7% and in the boys was 2.5% ( P> 0.05). Overall prevalence of molluscum contagiosum in day care centers was 2.12%. The prevalence of disease in children aged between 2-4 years was higher than those other children (3.6%) (P =0 .038). The results show that the prevalence of molluscum contagiosum in day care centers is relatively low, but the prevalence in the age of 2-4 years was the highest. In view of contagious nature of the disease, it is recommended that medical examination of children should include a proper examination of the entire skin before admission into day care centers.