The seven-year itch: Scabies outbreak affects several people in Wana

WANA:

Tribesmen from different areas of Wana, South Waziristan complained of a scabies outbreak which has affected a large number of people, including children.

The skin condition, also known as the ‘seven-year itch’, is caused by a tiny mite making its way under the host’s skin, resulting in a severe itching sensation and allergic reaction.

Doctors at Agency Headquarters Hospital, Wana confirmed reports of the spread in certain villages and hamlets. Medics were unsure about the exact number of affected people and said the outbreak of scabies was common in this part of the tribal belt. They added efforts were being made to control the situation.

Noor Ali Wazir, a social activist in Wana, said scabies was nothing new, but the skin condition had arrived in a more extreme form this year. He added the shortage of doctors aggravated the situation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2014.