Scabies, a contagious skin disease, is rapidly spreading in Brahmanpara Upazila of Comilla. People of all ages are becoming infected, and the disease is quickly spreading from person to person due to a lack of awareness at the family and community levels. As a result, the number of patients is increasing at the Upazila Health Complex as well as private clinics.
Doctors are advising not to panic but to seek treatment from a registered physician. With proper treatment and awareness, scabies can be cured. However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to kidney complications, say doctors.
The area was severely flooded in August last year, and contaminated water after the flood led to an unusual rise in skin diseases, including scabies. Although scabies cases existed earlier, the current situation has worsened. With the onset of summer, the number of infected patients has increased steadily. Experts believe the lack of awareness about scabies is the main cause of the rapid spread of the disease.
More than half of the patients visiting the Upazila Health Complex’s outpatient department are suffering from scabies. Children and elderly patients make up the majority of the infected. Many of the patients, who had previously recovered, are getting infected again, with doctors blaming the lack of awareness for the recurrence.
Scabies is a parasitic skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei parasite. Among skin diseases, scabies is one of the most contagious. Although the disease is more common during the summer, it is now seen throughout the year. The disease spreads rapidly from one person to another. It is treatable with proper medication, but without treatment, scabies can lead to kidney complications.
A four-year-old child, Cynthia Jannat, was brought to the health complex by her mother, Bilkis Akhter. She said, “A few days ago, my daughter developed red bumps on her hands and body. We applied medicine and cream from a village doctor, but it didn’t help much. So, I came here for treatment. The doctor said it’s scabies and prescribed medication. She said she will recover.”
Doctors explain that scabies typically affects areas such as the waist, fingers, genital area, neck, wrists, underarms, elbows, and navel. The affected areas develop small red bumps or rashes, which itch intensely, especially at night. These areas may also release a watery discharge.
To prevent the spread of scabies, doctors advise healthy individuals to avoid contact with infected persons and to ensure that the infected person’s clothing and bedding are cleaned thoroughly. It is important that all family members who come into contact with the patient also receive treatment simultaneously. Neglecting the disease can lead to serious complications.
Dr. Shankha Jeet Samajpati, a physician at the Upazila Health Complex, said that scabies is commonly seen during the summer months, but due to environmental changes, the disease is now affecting people year-round. He mentioned that many patients stop the prescribed medication midway, which causes the disease to recur. Repeated infections can lead to kidney complications.
Dr. Mohammad Sheikh Hasibur Reza, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, emphasized that scabies is a contagious parasitic skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei parasite. He urged everyone to follow the advice of a registered physician for treatment and to ensure that other family members receive treatment simultaneously. He also recommended keeping clothing and bedding clean to prevent further infection.
