Estonia reports spread of scabies — ERR News

Medical professionals in Estonia report a more noticeable-than-usual spread of scabies, particularly among children and young people. School nurses and family doctors are urging infected people to complete the full course of treatment and inform their school or workplace in order to limit the transmission of the disease.

ERR News reports. According to Kristel Weidenbaum, a school nurse at Tallinn's school health service, although no statistics on scabies are kept in the country, dermatologists have also noted a noticeable increase in its prevalence in recent years.

Symptoms may be mistaken for an allergy

Scabies is caused by a parasitic mite. The disease is usually transmitted through close contact, as well as via surfaces and objects. Treatment may be delayed because people sometimes mistake itching and a red rash for an allergic reaction.

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Weidenbaum advised paying particular attention to itching at night. A rash between the fingers may also be a characteristic sign, and mite burrows are sometimes visible on the skin.

Close contacts must also undergo treatment

Medicines for treating scabies are available over the counter in pharmacies in Estonia. At the same time, everyone who has had close contact with an infected person must complete a course of treatment, even if they have no symptoms.

According to the nurse, a person must stay at home during treatment until the course is completed. Underwear and bed linen are recommended to be washed at a temperature of no less than 60 degrees Celsius.