Increasing incidence of reported scabies infestations in the Netherlands, 2011–2021

Abstract

Introduction Several Public Health Services and general practitioners in the Netherlands observed an increase in scabies in the Netherlands. Since individual cases of scabies are not notifiable in the Netherlands, the epidemiological situation is mostly unknown. To investigate the scabies incidence in the Netherlands, we described the epidemiology of scabies between 2011 and 2021. Methods Two national data sources were analysed descriptively. One data source obtained incidence data of scabies (per 1,000 persons) of persons consulting in primary care from 2011–2020. The other data source captured the number of prescribed scabicides in the Netherlands from 2011–2021. To describe the correlation between the incidence of diagnoses and the number of dispensations between 2011 and 2020, we calculated a correlation coefficient. Results The incidence of reported scabies has increased by more than threefold the last decade (2011–2020), mainly affecting adolescents and (young) adults. This was also clearly reflected in the fivefold increase in dispensations of scabicide medication during 2011–2021. The incidence and dispensations were at an all-time high in 2021. We found a strong correlation between the reported incidence and the number of dispensations between 2011 and 2020. Conclusions More awareness on early diagnosis, proper treatment and treatment of close contacts is needed.

Scabies incidence and association with skin and soft tissue infection in Loyalty Islands Province, New Caledonia: A 15-year retrospective observational study using electronic health records

“…The overall scabies IR in LIP was 5.9%, a figure 15 to 25 times higher than those reported in European countries [12,13]. Most of the studies conducted in other countries of the Western…”

Increased Scabies Incidence at the Beginning of the 21st Century: What Do Reports from Europe and the World Show?

“…From Europe, available data shows an increasing trend in scabies infestations, particularly evident among populations with associated contributing factors, such as those who travel frequently, refugees, asylum seekers, those who regularly lack drinking water and appropriate hygiene, those who are of a younger age, etc. This increase in observed cases in the last 10–20 years has been evidenced by research conducted in Germany, France, Norway, and Croatia, among other countries ( Table 2 ) [ 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. In addition, in recent years, there has been greater public discussion around scabies, and in 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed scabies as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) [ 32 ].…”

“…By age and gender, it is generally equally common in both sexes and among people of different ages [ 4 , 54 ]. However, by age, data shows that scabies more commonly affects children and young adults [ 4 , 5 , 22 , 24 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Concerning gender, variations have also been described—some parts of the world note a higher prevalence among women and others among men [ 14 , 17 , 43 , 57 , 58 ].…”

“…Similar results were found in Norway, where authors reported an increase in scabies diagnoses since 2013 [ 2 ]. In addition, data from the Netherlands confirms that the scabies incidence in that country had increased by more than threefold for the period from 2011–2020 [ 5 ].…”

“…For centuries, scabies has primarily been thought of as a disease that affects those living in squalor and poverty; however, reports in recent times show that it has become more common in the general population. Generally, scabies has been thought to occur only sporadically, but in the last two decades, there has been an increase in published papers indicating that disease is occurring more frequently [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”