Alarm in UK: shortage of medications to treat Scabies could spark an outbreake of the Victorian disease

The highly contagious disease, known as an itchy rash caused by mites, can easily spread through shared accommodation including university halls, care homes and prison. The government has been urged to take action to try and raise the stock of two medications that are routinely used to cure scabies – which is otherwise incurable. The shortage of treatments is a major public health concern. The ease with which it spreads highlights the urgency of maintaining an adequate supply of effective treatments.