Scabies outbreak worries ministry

The health ministry is working around the clock to make sure clinics and hospitals in the Ohangwena Region are stocked with treatment for scabies after an outbreak that has afflicted over 2 000 learners and teachers in the region.The executive director of the health ministry, Ben Nangombe, has confirmed that the disease was first detected a few weeks ago and has spread like wildfire. “We have dispatched some ointments this week. We have treatment in stock at the Central Medical Store (CMS) but we are still ordering because this is serious and widespread and has affected so many people. "We held an emergency briefing this morning (Thursday) so we are organising and working with the education ministry on how to handle this,” he said. He added that health officials were working closely with regional authorities to monitor the potential spread to other regions as well, but in the meantime, people are encouraged to maintain proper hygiene and to hang out their blankets in the sun for ventilation. Human scabies is a parasitic infestation where a microscopic mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs, eventually triggering a host immune response that leads to intense itching and a rash. Scabies infestation may be complicated by bacterial infection, leading to the development of skin sores that, in turn, may lead to the development of more serious consequences such as septicaemia, heart disease and chronic kidney disease.jemima@namibiansun.com

Scabies outbreak worries ministry

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Namibian Sun 2022-07-07

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Scabies outbreak worries ministry

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Namibian Sun 2022-07-07

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