UK reports rise in scabies cases as patients describe prolonged outbreaks

Louise, a 44-year-old mother in south-west England, temporarily moved her partner and two young children into a rented caravan in November after repeated scabies infections disrupted their home and schooling. She described the experience as “hell” and said: “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” Public-health data and doctors say such stories are increasingly common.

A 2024 report from the UK Health Security Agency found annual increases from 2021, growing more significantly since 2023; it reported a 44% rise in scabies diagnoses at sexual health services between 2023 and 2024 (4,872 in 2024, up from 3,393). The Royal College of General Practitioners’ surveillance centre shows cases remain higher than the five-year national average and peaked at almost double across the final four months of last year, with higher rates in the north of England.

The condition is caused by the human mite sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, which burrows into skin at about 0.5 to 5mm a day; eggs hatch after three to four days and symptoms can take four to six weeks to appear, allowing contagious cases to go undetected. Mites can survive outside the body for up to 36 hours.

The NHS advises washing bedding and clothing at 60C or higher or sealing unwashable items in a bag for at least three days, avoiding close contact until treatment ends, and treating household contacts.

Key Topics

Health, Scabies, Uk, Nhs, Permethrin, Ivermectin