Epidemic Tinea Capitis: A Public Health Problem *

Ringworm of the scalp is caused by several species of fungi; the most common being the Microsporon audouini, capable of causing widespread outbreaks, and Microsporon lanosum. Other species of fungi causing sporadic tinea capitis are the Microsporon fulvum, Achorion schoenleinii (favus), and other trichophyton organisms. This paper will deal chiefly with the Microsporon audouini infections. In recent years, epidemic outbreaks of ringworm of the scalp in large city areas, especially in the eastern United States, have been repeatedly reported in dermatological and general medical literature. Little has been written in public health journals and the author believes that greater recognition should be taken by public health officials of the seriousness of this communicable disease.