A case of crusted scabies was reported amongst students of a Special Needs Primary School in the city port of Chania, Crete, on Oct.18, leading to the temporary closure of the school on Friday.
Laboratory tests carried out confirmed that it was crusted scabies (formerly known as Norwegian scabies) which is a highly contagious form of scabies with intense symptoms, according to experts. The school has been disinfected since then and classes are running as usual on Monday.
“Crusted scabies or Norwegian scabies, discovered in Norway 170 years ago, is a specific type that affects vulnerable populations,” said Professor of Pulmonology Nikos Tzanakis on Mega channel.
It typically targets people with weakened immune systems, individuals with certain conditions like dementia or neuropathic issues and persons with special needs. The professor also highlighted that is spreads very easily through casual contact, objects and clothing.
The most common symptoms of scabies include itching and skin rashes, which can spread to larger body areas or be limited to specific spots such as on the patient’s fingers, wrists, elbows and lower back.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of crusted scabies is important to prevent complications and epidemiological outbreaks.
In the past two decades reports from various countries have described increasing numbers of scabies cases. The epidemiological data for various world regions has shown that scabies occurs more commonly in the developing world, tropical climates, and in areas with a lack of access to water.
Available data from Europe reveals an increasing trend in scabies infestation, particularly evident among populations with associated contributing factors, such as those who travel frequently, refugees, asylum seekers, those who regularly lack drinking water and appropriate hygiene and are of a younger age.
