Despite common misconceptions, scabies is neither caused by poor hygiene nor nearly eradicated.

The condition is caused by mites that burrow beneath the skin, creating tunnels and laying eggs. Symptoms often take several weeks to appear, as the immune system's delayed reaction leads to rashes and the eventual detection of the illness.

During this period, the mites can easily transfer from one person to another through skin contact. Elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

In early April, several cases of scabies were detected in a retirement home in Bofferdange, specifically within a group providing close support to people with cognitive difficulties, a spokesperson told our colleagues from RTL.lu. Initially, the on-site doctor mistook the first case for eczema. However, the condition spread, eventually affecting ten residents and seven employees. Appropriate measures were taken, and the affected individuals received treatment. The last reported case was on 25 April, while a suspected case on 9 May turned out to be a false alarm.