A highly contagious form of scabies, known as crusted scabies (scabiës crustosa), has been identified in a patient at Flevoziekenhuis hospital in Almere, Netherlands. The hospital has implemented preventative measures to limit potential spread of the infection, .
Understanding Scabies and Crusted Scabies
Scabies is a common skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These microscopic mites burrow into the skin, where they live and lay eggs, leading to intense itching and a characteristic rash. The condition is typically spread through prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. However, crusted scabies is a much more severe and contagious form of the infestation.
Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, develops when mites burrow under the skin and form thick, crusty lesions filled with a large number of mites and eggs. This significantly increases the risk of transmission, as the infection can spread through brief contact, or by sharing contaminated clothing or bedding. Individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to developing crusted scabies, according to the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
Current Situation at Flevoziekenhuis
The patient diagnosed with crusted scabies at Flevoziekenhuis is currently isolated and receiving specialized care. The hospital is proactively contacting patients and staff who may have been exposed to the infection, informing them via letter or phone about potential preventative treatment options. The affected patient was being treated on the oncology/hematology ward.
Hospital officials have emphasized that, at present, there is no risk to other patients or visitors. “They can safely come to the hospital,” a hospital spokesperson stated. The hospital is adhering to national guidelines in managing the situation.
Broader Increase in Scabies Cases in the Netherlands
This case occurs against a backdrop of increasing scabies infections across the Netherlands. A surge in cases has been observed since the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading from students to daycare centers and nursing homes. Data indicates that in , approximately 100 people per 100,000 residents were affected by scabies. By , this number had risen to 260 per 100,000 and then quadrupled three years later. While cases remained high in , they were slightly lower than the peak observed previously.
Research Efforts to Control Outbreaks
Erasmus MC is leading a nationwide study aimed at controlling these outbreaks. The research focuses on improving diagnostic methods, including exploring the potential of rapid self-testing. Researchers are also investigating whether examining washing machine water in institutions like nursing homes could enable earlier detection of infections.
Wilma Stolk, a public health researcher at Erasmus MC, highlighted the historical underestimation of scabies. “It actually is exactly the problem now. Because it was a forgotten disease, very little research and development has been done,” she told AD, as reported by NL Times.
Symptoms and Transmission
Typical scabies symptoms include intensely itchy red spots that usually appear four to six weeks after infection. However, individuals become contagious after just two weeks. The mites can survive outside the human body for several days, on items such as clothing or furniture, complicating prevention efforts.
Preventative Measures and Treatment
Anyone who has had close contact with an infected person in the preceding weeks should consider preventative treatment, even if they are not currently experiencing symptoms. Scabies is a treatable condition, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further spread. The RIVM notes that more stringent measures are required to control the spread of crusted scabies compared to typical scabies.
The hospital is following national guidelines for managing the outbreak, and emphasizes that the situation is under control. Individuals seeking care or visiting Flevoziekenhuis can do so safely.
