Georgia’s Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, has assured the public that there is no need for concern regarding scabies.

Sarjveladze emphasised the importance of exercising caution when sharing information about the disease’s spread and potential risks.

“Paata Imnadze has spoken on this matter and clarified quite clearly that there is no real reason to stir up panic. I want to emphasise that when sharing certain details about the disease’s transmission and risks, we must do so with the utmost care, as this can lead to unnecessary panic. Statistically, there is no difference compared to previous years. I believe the attention given to this matter has been somewhat exaggerated. I want to reassure the public that, based on all expert advice, nothing particularly alarming or unusual is occurring in Georgia.

Of course, any infection is regrettable, but there is nothing abnormal or out of the ordinary happening. Our advice remains unchanged: maintain good hygiene and wash your hands frequently. However, please be aware that the disease does not spread through casual contact such as handshakes or kisses. According to experts, transmission requires prolonged skin contact.

There have also been rumours that medication is unavailable online; this is false. The medicine is readily accessible in several pharmacies across the country.

In light of all this, we can confidently say that, despite some isolated cases, there is no cause for concern,” concluded Mikheil Sarjveladze.