Scabies epidemic in British universities – what you need to know

Scabies is an itchy skin infection that is causing epidemics around the world.

It is caused by mites, similar to head lice, but much smaller. These mites burrow under the skin, lay eggs and reproduce, triggering an immune response that causes the unpleasant itching associated with the disease.

Outbreaks often occur in institutional settings such as nursing homes for older people. In October 2024, outbreaks around universities in the UK have been reported in the media.

The incubation period for scabies is usually four to six weeks. This is the time between infection – the mite getting onto the skin and then under it – until the patient develops symptoms such as classic unpleasant itching.

So cases reported in October 2024 would have been infected in mid-to-late September, around the time students arrived at universities across the country.

Given this long incubation period, preventing and controlling outbreaks may be challenging. The condition can also be challenging to diagnose because clinical signs may be challenging to detect on the skin – for example between the toes.

Transmission usually occurs through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and the sharing of contaminated bedding, towels, clothes and gentle furnishings, where the mites can wait and crawl onto the next person who uses them. The guidelines recommend wash bedding, clothes and towels at high temperatures to kill dust mites, or if this is not possible, seal items in plastic bags for three to four days.

Stigma and under-reporting

Data from The Royal College of General Practitioners’ report on infectious and respiratory diseases in England for October 2024 shows that the number of scabies cases recorded is higher than the seasonal average.

These official figures are also likely to be conservative. Like many skin infections, scabies is a stigmatized disease and is therefore under-reported or delayed. are common.

There is a belief that scabies is a disease of the “unwashed”. This is likely be incorrectand the burrowing of scabies means you simply can’t wash it off with a bath. In addition, scabies may appear in areas covered with clothesincluding in the groin or buttocks – another reason for stigma and underreporting. This means that the data we have will likely be much lower than the actual number of cases.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment usually involves applying a skin lotion called permethrin or sometimes another cream called malathion. For creams to be effective, they must be rubbed all over the body, not just at the site of infection.

Ivermectin, taken by mouth, is also extremely effective in the treatment of scabies and can be prescribed to control outbreaks. Public information campaigns can facilitate warn the public and describe possible symptoms.

World Health Organization defines the scope diseases as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). As the name suggests, most of them are found mainly in tropical countries. These include skin infections such as leprosy and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue. However, scabies is unique among people with degenerative diseases in that it is common in more temperate environments such as the UK. Dust mites thrive in almost any climate, and the infection persists if not diagnosed and treated properly.

In September 2023, there were scabies outbreaks and treatment shortages in the UK. It is uncertain whether shortages will occur in October 2024 due to the epidemic. Regardless, anyone who suffers from persistent itching or is exposed to scabies should report it to a health care professional for follow-up.

Although scabies does not kill many people, it is a thoroughly unpleasant infection that has a significant impact on the quality of life. Awareness and early reporting can facilitate to quickly eliminate the epidemic.