Scabies occurs every year, there is no noticeable increase, and anyone can get it — there is no reason to panic, said Paata Imnadze, Deputy Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC).

According to him, during the year, not only in Georgia but also across European countries, about 1% of the population experiences scabies.

He noted that the same statistics apply to Georgia at present.

Imnadze explained that scabies is easy to treat and spreads through close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact.

“Scabies is a disease caused by mites. Its main symptom is intense itching. It spreads only through close, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact, although transmission through bedding, towels, or clothing is also possible. Treatment is quite simple, using special ointments.

For prevention, it is important to avoid contact with infected persons and to refrain from using someone else’s towels, clothing, or bedding. Treatment must be provided not only to the person who has scabies but also to all family members and anyone who has had close and prolonged contact with the infected person,” said Paata Imnadze, Deputy Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health.

The information was released by the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health.