Cases of scabies are climbing in Geneva.
The condition is caused by mites which lays its eggs under the skin and triggers a rash and unbearable itching.
Since the beginning of the year there have been 51 confirmed cases reported to the Geneva University Hospital. Over the same period last year and the year before, there were just 15 each year.
The mites mostly arrive with international travellers – there were very few cases during the pandemic.
The mites infect through close contact – although not necessarily sexual. It’s common family members can pass them on.
The treatment recommended is the one that became famous for covid. Ivermectin. Do not use it for covid, but it will work for scabies.
The drug is not officially marketed in Switzerland – so its not covered by health insurance. A course of treatment can be CHF 80 – so it could get expensive for a family.
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