Scabies in the rise: Health office warns of widespread infection!

Scabies in the rise: Health office warns of widespread infection!

In the district of Hersfeld-Rotenburg and in the district of Fulda, more cases of scabies, also known as skabies, were registered. As the Fuldaer Zeitung is reported to see a similar trend that can be observed throughout the Federal Republic. Especially in the cold season, the number of diagnoses increases, which is due to closer social contacts and the longer survival of the mites to textiles.

hygiene measures are crucial for the containment of infections. The health department recommends changing clothing, bed linen and towels every day and washing them at least 60 degrees. Textiles that are not washable should be kept airtight for four days. Especially in facilities with close contact, such as nursing homes and homeless accommodation, infection often occurs. This context must also be mentioned in the obligation to report, which only exists for daycare centers, schools and nursing homes. There are no data on the total number of scrambled attachments in the Fulda district.

transmission paths and symptoms

The scrambled syllable, scientifically known as sarcoptes scabiei var. Hominis , is an obligatory parasite and belongs to the group of penetrated animals. Male mites have a size of 0.21 to 0.29 mm, while the females measure between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. These mites dig aisles into the horny layer of the skin and live there for about 30 to 60 days. The transmission takes place through direct skin-to-skin contact, but requires at least five to ten minutes, which means that infection via textiles is very rare.

Symptoms of infection with skabies include intensive itching, which often occurs more on the nights, as well as the formation of mites and eczema, especially on hands, feet, armpits and in the genital area. Community institutions, such as schools and old people's homes, are particularly at risk, in which high mite loads and an increased risk of infection. To do this, the Robert Koch-Institut that specific hygiene measures are required in these institutions.

treatment and prevention

The therapy for skabies usually takes place with special creams that have to be applied twice within ten to 14 days. In some cases, taking tablets may also be necessary. Close contact persons of the infected should also be subjected to an examination. The drug Permethrin is a common choice in treatment.

The need for close cooperation between medical specialist and the public health service is evident to curb the spread of skabies. The rki-faq-area emphasizes that there is no specific reporting obligation in Germany, but should be informed about the local conditions if you suspect skabies.

Overall, it can be seen that scabies is a widespread infectious disease that can be checked well by targeted prevention and treatment measures. The support of the public and conscious hygiene behavior are essential to reduce the infection and to enable those affected to recover rapidly.