News Center- People continue to face problems in the areas affected by the two devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. The cases of scabies and lice have been increasing in the areas affected by the earthquakes due to the extremely hot weather.

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) released a statement on its official social media account. In the statement, the TTB drew attention to the increase in the cases of scabies and lime in the areas affected by the earthquakes. Calling on people to pay attention to personal hygiene in order to prevent the spread of diseases, the TTB warned the people to avoid contact with people who show symptoms and not to share their belongings.

‘They should immediately go to the doctor’

Calling on the people showing symptoms to go to the doctor, the TTB said, “The patients and the people living with them must be treated at the same time. Items such as bedding, clothing, and towels used by a person with scabies or lice must be washed in hot water and ironed at high temperatures. They must be kept in plastic bags for at least 72 hours.”

‘The risk of scabies will increase gradually due to the earthquakes’

In an online interview with NuJINHA, Gamze Varol, member of the TTB, told us about scabies and its symptoms. Pointing out that the cases of scabies have been increasing in Turkey for several years, she said, “We think the risk of scabies will increase gradually due to the earthquakes.”

‘Scabies is more likely transmitted person-to-person in the areas affected by the earthquakes’

Noting that scabies can be prevented, she said, “However, scabies is more likely transmitted person-to-person faster in the areas affected by the earthquakes due to the lack of hygiene. The symptoms of scabies are itching, mainly at night, rash, sores and thick crusts on the skin. We call on the people having such symptoms to go to the nearest health centers.”