The number of cases of scabies in Strășeni district has increased considerably since the start of this month. The Chisinau Public Health Center said that the figure is three times higher than in the corresponding period last year, IPN reports.

According to the Center, most of the cases of scabies were reported in villages. 70% of the cases were among children aged between 3 and 17. 63% of the cases involved organized groups in kindergartens, while 27% in schools.

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.

Scabies usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Scabies is common in preschoolers and school-age children because they often come into close contact while playing. But it can also spread to adults, including elderly relatives. This is why there are often outbreaks in kindergartens, schools and nursing homes. It’s particularly important to see the family physician if itching goes on for more than a week, or initially stops and then comes back, if bleeding, scabs or pus-filled sores appear in the same area as the itching.