Scabies, a contagious skin disease, is spreading rapidly across both rural and urban areas of Comilla.
Known locally as "khosh-pachra", the disease presents as small red rashes and intense itching.
If not treated on time, it may lead to serious complications, including potential kidney damage.
In Comilla city’s Racecourse area, a child named Tawhid was brought to the General Hospital by his father for treatment.
Tawhid’s hands and feet were covered in red rashes.
According to his father, Jamal Hossain, all members of their family — including three sons and his wife — have been affected.
The infection initially started with Tawhid and later spread to other family members through contact and shared personal items.
The symptoms began as small, rash-like spots with severe itching. Upon medical consultation, a doctor confirmed the disease as scabies.
Despite receiving treatment, the family has seen little improvement.
Health officials report that the disease is now widespread not only in the city but also in rural areas.
Health Officer of Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex Dr Sirajul Islam Manik, said that over 500 patients visit the outpatient department daily, with more than half suffering from scabies.
Children and elderly individuals are the most affected due to lower immunity.
He noted that the scabies-causing mite spreads quickly in hot and humid conditions and that cases have been rising for the past two years.
Doctors across government and private hospitals in Comilla estimate that approximately 70% of patients seeking dermatological treatment are suffering from scabies.
While the outbreak initially affected children, people of all ages are now being infected.
The disease spreads not only through physical contact but also via the use of contaminated clothing, bedding and personal items.
The highest rates of infection have been recorded in Muradnagar and Debidwar upazilas.
Dr Azizur Rahman Siddiqui, a dermatologist at Comilla General Hospital, mentioned that the number of scabies patients has been rising.
He treats over 200 dermatology patients daily, of whom nearly 80% are diagnosed with scabies.
Due to its contagious nature, the infection can spread quickly within families if precautions are not taken.
He advised immediate medical consultation for affected individuals to prevent complications.
Dr Zahir Uddin Babor, Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Venereology at Cumilla Medical College Hospital, said that the number of patients has been increasing over the past two years, with children being most affected.
In recent days, several hospitalized children were found to have kidney complications linked to long-term scabies infection.
He noted that many families mistake it for a minor skin issue and delay treatment, leading to serious outcomes.
He also observed rising cases of drug-resistant scabies, which he believes require further research.
He shared an example from a recent free health camp at a well-known madrasa in Comilla city, where out of 327 children, 300 were diagnosed with scabies.
The children reportedly sleep closely together on damp floors, and bedding materials are rarely sun-dried, creating favorable conditions for the spread of the disease.
Dr Zahir Uddin further warned that neglecting scabies may lead to secondary infections and, in prolonged cases, kidney damage.
Such risks arise when patients do not receive timely and proper treatment.
Pediatric specialist Dr Jasim Uddin also noted that children are arriving with common symptoms like fever, cold and cough, along with scabies.
He cited cases where children were diagnosed with pneumonia or diarrhea alongside scabies, indicating the seasonal nature of the outbreak.
Health experts emphasize the need for public awareness, early diagnosis and complete treatment of all affected family members to control the spread of this skin disease.
