Izvorni znanstveni članak
Prevalence of Scabies in Sisak-Moslavina County, Croatia, from 2019 to 2023
Klara Gaćina
Antonija Balenović
Andrea Mileković
Paola Negovetić
Mirna Šitum
Sažetak
Introduction: Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei and remains an important public health concern worldwide. The epidemiology of scabies can be influenced by social crises, such as pandemics and natural disasters. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of scabies in Sisak-Moslavina County (SMC), Croatia, from 2019 to 2023, with emphasis on sex- and age-specific distribution and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Banovina earthquake.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted using anonymized surveillance data from healthcare institutions and the Institute of Public Health of Sisak-Moslavina County. All reported scabies cases from January 2019 to December 2023 were included. Data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively according to year, sex, and age groups, and were compared with national epidemiological trends. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures and chi-squared tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Scabies incidence in SMC showed relative stability compared to pronounced national fluctuations. The highest number of cases in SMC was recorded in 2019, followed by a decline during 2020–2021. No significant sex-related differences were observed. Children aged 0–10 years and adults older than 50 years were the most affected age groups throughout the study period.
Conclusions: Scabies prevalence in SMC remained stable during major crisis periods, suggesting effective public health measures. Targeted prevention and continuous surveillance are essential, particularly for vulnerable age groups, to prevent outbreaks during both routine and emergency conditions.
Ključne riječi
scabies; Sarcoptes scabiei; COVID-19 Pandemic; epidemiology
Hrčak ID:
348436
URI
Datum izdavanja:
25.6.2026.
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