Scabies, scurvy, tuberculosis … We thought that these diseases belonged to the past, but they have been making a comeback in France for some time.
Certain diseases are more present in history books than in the offices of French doctors. In recent years, some have reappeared such as scabies, measles or tuberculosis.
Precariousness, refusal of the vaccine, isolation: the reasons for this reappearance are numerous.
An increase in the number of cases of scabies
According to the High Council for Public Health, the number of cases of scabies has increased by 10% since 2002, with around 328 cases per 100,000 people. This disease is caused by a mite that feeds on the skin, and creates skin lesions that are very itchy.
It is the shared environments that are conducive to contamination, such as schools or retirement homes.
The return of scurvy
Sailors’ disease is also back in France: in 2015, ten cases were identified by researchers from the Limoges University Hospital. Potentially fatal, the disease is due to a vitamin C deficiency linked to a poor diet, so it is often the most vulnerable people who are victims.
In the case of this study, some people were unemployed, others alcoholics, some patients with cancer and others with psychological conditions.
Measles: vaccination, the only way to protect yourself
Until 2016, the number of measles cases was steadily decreasing, but since the end of 2017, the disease has resurfaced. 2,741 cases were recorded by Public Health France between November 6, 2017 and July 29, 2018. According to this organization, the lack of vaccination is the cause of this upsurge.
Only 79% of infants are vaccinated, yet the necessary immunization coverage is 95%. One affected person can alone infect between 15 and 20 people, vaccination is the only way to prevent the disease. Since January 1, 2018, infants must be vaccinated.
Certain areas affected by tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is also one of those diseases that were thought to have disappeared. However, each year in France, people continue to be affected mainly in Guyana, Mayotte and Ile-de-France. Homeless people are particularly at risk, there is an average of 167 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in this population. A vaccine exists and is recommended for children at risk of tuberculosis in those around them.
France is not the only country affected by a return of old diseases, in the United States scurvy is claiming more and more victims and Algeria is facing a return of cholera.
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