HPSC Reports Scabies Outbreaks In Ireland - February 2024
Science/Medical/Technology
Tuesday 27th, February 2024
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in Ireland has reported that there are a number of outbreaks of Scabies in Ireland.
Ireland has witnessed a significant increase in scabies outbreaks, raising public health alarms. According to reports, the number of scabies outbreaks in 2023 surged to 26, compared to nine in the previous year (2022). As of February 15th, 2024, an additional eight outbreaks have been reported this year.
The outbreaks have occurred across various settings, with a notable concentration in places where individuals are closely grouped. In 2023, nine outbreaks were recorded in nursing homes, and eight in residential institutions. Additionally, three outbreaks took place in private households. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) notes that scabies is not linked to poor hygiene, emphasising its ease of transmission through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
Scabies is a common skin condition caused by a tiny mite and is characterised by itching, particularly at night, and the presence of a rash in affected areas such as skin folds. While not typically considered a serious condition, it necessitates proper management to prevent further spread.
Crusted scabies, a less common but highly contagious variant, is more likely to affect elderly individuals or those with compromised immune systems or mobility issues.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has not collated information on individual scabies cases, but the surge in outbreaks aligns with a broader increase observed in other European countries in recent years.
Treatment for scabies involves the application of creams directly to the skin, with a second application required one week later. Environmental measures, such as washing clothing and bedding at high temperatures or sealing items in plastic bags, are recommended to destroy mites.
Household members and close contacts of individuals with scabies are advised to undergo simultaneous treatment to prevent re-infection and further spread.
Individuals suspecting scabies are encouraged to seek advice from their GP or pharmacist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Itching may persist post-treatment, and medical advice should be sought if there is no improvement after four weeks or if signs of a skin infection occur.
The public is urged to stay informed and follow the recommended guidelines to curb the spread of scabies in the community. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation, emphasising the importance of timely and appropriate measures for effective management and prevention.
For more information checkout the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) website linked below.
Ireland has witnessed a significant increase in scabies outbreaks, raising public health alarms. According to reports, the number of scabies outbreaks in 2023 surged to 26, compared to nine in the previous year (2022). As of February 15th, 2024, an additional eight outbreaks have been reported this year.
The outbreaks have occurred across various settings, with a notable concentration in places where individuals are closely grouped. In 2023, nine outbreaks were recorded in nursing homes, and eight in residential institutions. Additionally, three outbreaks took place in private households. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) notes that scabies is not linked to poor hygiene, emphasising its ease of transmission through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
Scabies is a common skin condition caused by a tiny mite and is characterised by itching, particularly at night, and the presence of a rash in affected areas such as skin folds. While not typically considered a serious condition, it necessitates proper management to prevent further spread.
Crusted scabies, a less common but highly contagious variant, is more likely to affect elderly individuals or those with compromised immune systems or mobility issues.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has not collated information on individual scabies cases, but the surge in outbreaks aligns with a broader increase observed in other European countries in recent years.
Treatment for scabies involves the application of creams directly to the skin, with a second application required one week later. Environmental measures, such as washing clothing and bedding at high temperatures or sealing items in plastic bags, are recommended to destroy mites.
Household members and close contacts of individuals with scabies are advised to undergo simultaneous treatment to prevent re-infection and further spread.
Individuals suspecting scabies are encouraged to seek advice from their GP or pharmacist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Itching may persist post-treatment, and medical advice should be sought if there is no improvement after four weeks or if signs of a skin infection occur.
The public is urged to stay informed and follow the recommended guidelines to curb the spread of scabies in the community. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation, emphasising the importance of timely and appropriate measures for effective management and prevention.
For more information checkout the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) website linked below.
