Frequency and distribution of scabies in Vojvodina, Serbia, 2006–2015

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Scabies is a major dermatological and a public health concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend of scabies, the age-specific incidence and seasonality of scabies in Vojvodina Province, Serbia.

Methods We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of scabies in Vojvodina (northern region of Serbia). We carried out a descriptive study over a 10-year period (from 2006 to 2015) and covered 21,996 patients.

Results The average incidence rate of scabies was 113.9/100,000 inhabitants with the evident increasing trend among all age groups, and especially among patients 15–19 years old. The highest incidence rate (323.9/100,000 inhabitants) was registered among children younger than 14 years. Most cases of scabies were registered during the cold months of the year, with peak activity throughout December (14.4/100,000; 95% CI: 12.2–16.6).

Conclusion A high frequency and increasing trend of scabies in Vojvodina indicates that more attention should be paid to this problem.

Keywords: scabies; epidemiology; surveillance; infection control