The number of people affected by the scabies mite, a small spider-like creature that burrows into the skin, has been on the rise for years in the Netherlands. Last year, 15 out of 100,000 people with scabies went to their GP. This year it is 27 out of 100,000. This is according to data from the GGD.
In Amsterdam, the number of scabies cases has even quadrupled since the end of 2021. “It’s particularly on the rise among students,” Henry de Vries, a dermatologist at GGD Amsterdam, tells Editie NL. “We hear it in other student cities too.”
Office hours
GGD Amsterdam will therefore increase the number of consultation hours. At the moment there is already a consultation hour for students every Wednesday. “Getting scabies under control in student homes is very difficult. That’s why it’s important to research sources and contacts. That’s what we’re trying to achieve with those hours of consultation.”
A good idea, says medical microbiologist Matthew McCall of Radboudumc. “Scabies is more difficult to fight today than it was before,” he explains. “Back then, scabies mostly occurred within a family. So a general practitioner could treat the family immediately and it didn’t lead to reinfection.”
It works differently with students. “If a person goes to the doctor, but the source isn’t removed, it will still circulate. That’s why source and contact tracing is so important.”
Recognize scabies
At the same time, the GGD is developing a PCR test to detect scabies easier and sooner. “There is often uncertainty about blemishes on skin,” says De Vries. “The difference between scabies and eczema is often difficult to see. Also, the allergic reaction varies from person to person. One suffers more than the other. This makes it difficult to quickly determine whether someone has scabies or not.”
With magnifying equipment such as a dermatoscope or microscope, a healthcare professional can show whether it is scabies. “But the problem is, those devices aren’t everywhere, and not every nurse can handle them.”
So PCR test should solve this problem. “Any general practitioner and nurse can therefore take the flakes. These are then examined in the laboratory within a short time,” explains De Vries.
Medical microbiologist McCall thinks it’s good that the GGD is engaging in this. “Not all doctors or nurses are equally trained analysts.” Plus, a PCR test is often more accurate than a microscope, he says. “You can then examine several scabies mites at the same time. This is not possible under a microscope: so you look at them one at a time.”
In January, GGD Amsterdam will start using the PCR test during consultation hours. He is still a pilot so far.
