Scabies cases on the rise in northern Cyprus

Cases of scabies outbreak was detected in the Central Prison in Lefkosa north Cyprus.

This is coming following the scabies cases reported in Atatürk Primary School in the past weeks.

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which manifests itself with severe itching and rash on the skin.

In recent years, there has been an increase in scabies cases worldwide, sometimes reaching epidemic levels.

Scabies is an infection caused by mites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs by opening tunnels. It manifests itself with intense itching and redness. Itching is especially severe at night because the mites become more active in warm environments.

SYMPTOMS
Severe itching (especially at night)
Redness and blisters
Subcutaneous tunnels in thin lines
Common symptoms in the areas between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, groin and abdomen
Since scabies is transmitted through contact, it can spread quickly among family members, people living in the same environment, and people in communal living areas.

EPIDEMIC AND ITS CAUSES
The main reasons for the serious increase in scabies cases in recent years are:

-Increased cases of resistant scabies: It is thought that mites have developed resistance to some drugs.
-Crowded living conditions: The spread is accelerating in dormitories, schools, prisons and refugee camps.
-Lack of hygiene and treatment: Unnoticed or untreated cases cause the disease to spread.
-Wrong treatment practices: Incomplete or incorrect treatment of scabies can lead to the disease becoming chronic.

PRECAUTIONS FOR THOSE WITH Scabies
All family members should be treated at the same time, otherwise the disease can be transmitted again.

Scabies medications should be used exactly as recommended by the doctor.

Even if the itching has subsided, the treatment course must be completed, otherwise the disease may relapse.

Scabies is a disease that can spread quickly but can be controlled with the right treatment and hygiene measures. The increase in cases in recent years poses a serious threat to public health and requires greater caution, especially in crowded living spaces.