“Scabies occur every year, with no increase in cases. It can affect anyone, but there is no cause for panic,” said Paata Imnadze, Deputy Director-General of the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) of the Ministry of Health.

Imnadze explained that approximately 1% of the population contracts scabies each year, not only in Georgia but across European countries, and similar figures are currently observed in Georgia.

Paata Imnadze emphasised that scabies is easy to treat and that the disease spreads through skin-to-skin contact, usually involving close and prolonged contact.

“Scabies is a disease caused by a mite. Its main symptom is intense itching. It spreads only through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, although it can also be transmitted via linen, towels, and clothing. Treatment is straightforward, typically involving special ointments. To prevent infection, it is important to avoid contact with an infected individual and not to share towels, clothing, or bedding. Treatment should be administered not only to the affected individual but also to all family members and anyone who has had close, prolonged contact with them,” added Paata Imnadze.