Namibia reports 3,454 cases of scabies countrywide

WINDHOEK, April 4 — Namibia recorded 3454 cases of scabies countrywide during the January-March period, a government official said Monday.
The most affected populations were communities living along the northern borders, school learners in the affected regions, and migrant populations in urban and peri-urban areas where access to water and sanitation facilities is lacking or inadequate, said Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula at a press conference Monday.
Scabies is the infestation of the skin by human itch mite (Sarcoptes Scabies var hominis). The microscopic mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs, eventually triggering a host immune response that leads to intense itching and rash.
“Scabies infestation may be complicated by bacterial infection, leading to the development of skin sores that, in turn, may lead to the development of more serious consequences such as septicemia, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease,” he added.
According to the WHO, scabies is one of the most common dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin diseases in developing countries. Globally, it is estimated to affect more than 200 million people.
Shangula urged the public to maintain good hygiene and sanitation, including hand washing.
“Further investigations to establish the magnitude and cause of scabies transmission are ongoing and public health measures have been activated by the health teams in the affected regions in partnership with line ministries such as the Ministry of Education. All detected cases are undergoing treatment in the health facilities,” said Shangula.    – Xinhua