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Notice to the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan
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January 21, 2005
Dear young Sudanese men and women:
Thank you for letting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) come to the Lost Boys and Girls National Conference and Reunion in Phoenix, Arizona, in August 2004. CDC’s goal was to learn about health problems among the Lost Boys and Girls. During the reunion, we conducted a survey about health problems. If you agreed to participate, we asked you some questions about your health and tested you for two diseases: schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) and strongyloidiasis. We want to let you know the results of the survey we did at the reunion:
- 466 Lost Boys and Girls did the survey
- Almost half the people tested had schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) and/or strongyloidiasis
Because so many Lost Boys and Girls have these diseases, all Lost Boys and Girls should be treated for schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) and strongyloidiasis. You do not need to be tested before being treated.
It is important to be treated for these diseases. Even if you feel healthy now, these diseases can cause serious health problems in the future, such as liver failure or even death in persons with problems with their immune system. Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) is treated with praziquantel (Biltricide ®). Strongyloidiasis is treated with albendazole (Albenza ®). Both drugs are taken for only a few doses. Information on assistance programs for these drugs can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/refugee/lostboysandgirlssudan/index.htm.
To start treatment, you must first talk to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor or do not have insurance, you can:
- Contact your state refugee health coordinator. You can find your state’s coordinator at this website: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/orr/partners/hthcoord.htm.
- Contact a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) health center. HRSA health centers help patients who need help getting health care. This website gives a directory of HRSA health centers: http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/. On the website enter your zip code or state and search by service type - primary medical care. You can locate a HRSA health center by phone at 1-888 ASK HRSA (888-275-4772).
These diseases are not the only causes of stomach pain. Your doctor can talk to you about other causes of stomach pain. CDC can also help your doctor.
Please give this information to all Lost Boys and Girls you know. CDC is helping to get Lost Boys and Girls treated for these diseases. Information for doctors can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/refugee/lostboysandgirlssudan/index.htm. If you or your doctor have questions, please contact Dr. Drew Posey (404-498-1601; dposey@cdc.gov).
Sincerely,
Drew L. Posey, MD, MPH
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road, NE, MS E-03
Atlanta , GA 30333