A thousand residents of geriatric centers contract scabies in one year
Social Rights admits that in 2025, 154 outbreaks were declared in centers
BarcelonaCatalan geriatric residences reported 154 scabies outbreaks last year that affected 1,229 people. This is data provided by the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion in response to a question from the parliamentary group of the Popular Party (PP).
According to the response signed by councilor Mònica Martínez Bravo, one thousand affected were residents, followed by 218 residence workers and 11 family members. Social Rights, which has competencies in the inspection of geriatric centers, assures that in 2025 it reinforced information on this skin infection caused by the mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei, which causes rashes and intense itching.
Although scabies is not mandatory to report when it is isolated cases, outbreaks are due to the high ease of transmission, as it occurs with skin-to-skin contact, a very easy route in residences, where the population has high vulnerability and low mobility. The councilor also explains that centers must implement preventive measures, protocols to stop the spread, both to identify close contacts and to provide protective equipment.
200 million annual cases worldwide
Based on the data, during the autumn months is when most outbreaks occurred, while by health regions, where there were more outbreaks was in Barcelona Zona Sud (38 outbreaks), the city of Barcelona (26) or the Vallesos area (23), without mentioning the names or locations where the residences are located.
In the same response, the minister indicates that scabies is very common, and that about 200 million cases occur each year worldwide.
