‘Can’t sleep at night’: Scabies outbreak spreads across Chuadanga

Scabies, a highly contagious skin infection, is spreading rapidly in Chuadanga, affecting people of all ages. Every day, around 150 to 200 patients are seeking treatment at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, leaving the authorities struggling to cope with the growing number of cases.

Patients alleged that due to a shortage of medicines at the hospital, many are being forced to buy creams, lotions, and other medication from outside.

During a visit, this correspondent found the Sadar hospital's wards, corridors, and verandas of both the old and new buildings packed with patients.

Long queues were seen in front of doctors' chambers, with many sitting on the floor while waiting for treatment. Hospital staff appeared overwhelmed by the rush of patients.

According to hospital sources, an average of 150 to 200 patients suffering from scabies and other skin diseases are receiving treatment every day. However, due to an inadequate supply of government-provided medicines, most patients have to buy the prescribed drugs on their own. At present, only a limited stock of antihistamine tablets is available under government provision.

Monira Khatun, a patient undergoing treatment, said her symptoms started with itching in her hands, which later spread across her entire body. "Small red bumps appear, and the itching becomes unbearable. The doctor prescribed medicines, but I have to buy them from outside," she said.

Hasmot Ali, another patient, shared a similar experience. "The itching gets worse at night, and I can't sleep properly. The hospital doesn't have all the required medicines, so we have no choice but to buy them from outside," he said.

Talking to this correspondent, Sabita Begum of Sadar upazila said, "It started with my son; now the entire family is infected. None of us can sleep at night. At first, I thought it was a minor issue, but now it has spread all over my body."

According to dermatologists, scabies usually begins with itching in the folds of the body and between the fingers and toes, which tends to worsen at night. If left untreated, the affected areas can develop secondary infections. They advised maintaining proper hygiene, washing hands regularly, and wearing clean clothes to help prevent further spread of the disease.

Dr Laila Shamima Sharmin, a dermatologist and venereologist at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, said scabies is "extremely contagious" and that treatment should be given to all members of an affected household at the same time. "Otherwise, the infection can return. If left untreated, it may lead to complications affecting the skin and kidneys," she warned.

She also noted that the disease, once common only during the hot season, is now appearing throughout the year. "Many people buy medicines directly from pharmacies without consulting doctors, which often makes the condition worse," she said.

Dr Bidyut Kumar Biswas, superintendent of Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, said both scabies and ringworm are infectious diseases that spread quickly in humid conditions. "These diseases have always existed, but their spread has increased as the effectiveness of over-the-counter medicines has declined," he said.

"We advise patients to maintain personal hygiene and provide medicines according to government allocations. There is an adequate supply of the drugs we receive from the government. However, if doctors prescribe medicines that are not included in the government supply, patients have to buy those from outside," he added.