Resurgence of scabies in Aquitaine: an assessment based on data from SOS Médecins and sales of scabicide treatments from 2007 to 2011
Introduction. In recent years, several public health indicators have suggested a resurgence of scabies in Aquitaine. In 2011, a retrospective descriptive study was conducted using two data sources to assess this increase. Methods. The trend in scabies in Aquitaine between 2007 and 2011 was assessed based on the activity of SOS Médecins associations (Bordeaux, Côte Basque, Pau) and sales of scabicides from two wholesalers in the region. Results. Between 2007 and 2011, the proportion of scabies diagnoses made by SOS Médecins increased 3.5-fold, rising from 4.4 per 10,000 visits to 15.6 (p<0.005). The "under 20" age group accounted for 45.0% of cases. Over this period, sales of scabicides also rose steadily, increasing 3.2-fold. All scabicide products recorded a more or less significant increase (p<0.01): sales of Stromectol® increased 4.8-fold, those of A-PAR® by a factor of 3.0, those of Ascabiol® by a factor of 2.0, and those of Sprégal® by a factor of 1.9. A seasonal pattern was observed in both scabies diagnoses made by SOS Médecins and scabicide sales, with peaks occurring primarily in the fall. Monthly trends in these two data sources were correlated (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.73). Discussion. These results suggest a resurgence of scabies in the general population of Aquitaine over the past five years. They confirm the findings of a national study conducted by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance in 2010. Data from SOS Médecins and scabicide sales are relevant sources for monitoring the evolution of this disease. General practitioners must be informed and made aware of the issue to promote early diagnosis of scabies and implement appropriate management strategies. (R.A.)
Author(s): Castor C, Aldabe B, Broucas F, Bonizec A, Chemin F
Publishing year: 2013
Pages: 279-82
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2013, n° 24-25, p. 279-82
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