Scabies Outbreak in Ireland
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. This causes intense itching, especially at night. The mites can spread from person to person through close contact or by sharing bedding or clothing.
Outbreak in Ireland
Google Trends data shows a rapidly rising search interest for “scabies outbreak” in Ireland, indicating a significant increase in cases. The outbreak appears to be concentrated in the southeast of the country, with the highest number of cases reported in County Wexford.
Cause of the Outbreak
The exact cause of the outbreak is still under investigation, but it is believed to be related to a number of factors, including:
- Reduced hand hygiene due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Increased close contact in crowded living conditions
- Lack of access to proper healthcare and hygiene facilities
Symptoms of Scabies
Symptoms of scabies can include:
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Red, raised bumps or blisters on the skin
- Burrows or lines on the skin, especially in between the fingers, toes, and wrists
- Crusted or thickened skin
Treatment and Prevention
Scabies can be treated with prescription medication that kills the mites. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and to treat all close contacts to prevent reinfection.
To prevent scabies, it is important to practice good hygiene, including:
- Washing hands frequently
- Avoiding close contact with people who have scabies
- Not sharing bedding or clothing
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Public Health Response
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is working to contain the outbreak and provide treatment to those affected. They are urging people to be aware of the symptoms of scabies and to seek medical attention if they suspect they may have it.
Additional Information
- The HSE has set up a dedicated helpline for scabies at 1800 802 819.
- More information on scabies is available on the HSE website: www2.hse.ie/conditions/scabies/
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Please search for “scabies outbreak” which is rapidly rising on Google Trends IE and explain in detail. Answers should be in English.
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