Two cases of scabies confirmed in Landes buses, should we fear contamination among passengers?

The rumor has been in the local media of the Landes and social networks for a few days. It was confirmed by the Grand Dax bus network on Monday September 15. At the beginning of the month, a driver of the Couralin bus network was diagnosed with scabies. A diagnosis made a few days later for a second employee …

Scabies, from one transport to another

The announcement has created a wave of concern among users and employees. “”Scabies is a very contagious disease due to a microscopic parasite (sarcopte) which is mainly transmitted by prolonged skin contact, but also via the fabrics (seats, clothing, linen) contaminated “ Specifies Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical.

In a bus, contagion is possible, it can notably occur if a driver reached left mites on a fabric seat or frequently affected objects, and that a person sits soon after. “”However, contamination by inanimate objects remains limited, because the parasite only survives briefly outside the human body … “ Complete our expert.

For the time being, only two cases have been highlighted. And there should not be others. According to the director general of Translands, Alain Cazeneuve, the drivers’ buses and premises were disinfected “Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September”. “”For users, there is no risk ” he assured yesterday on France Bleu.

A disease that is not serious … when it is treated

The very term “scabies” can still scare. But what are the real consequences of this affection? Dr. Kierzek reassures us.

“In rare cases, scabies can lead to bacterial infection and serious dermatological complications. But in the vast majority of cases, the disease is not serious if it is treated. Contaminated patients then receive ivermectin to deal with the problem. “

The disease can however be very uncomfortable due to itching, recognizes the doctor.

Protect yourself in transport thanks to simple measures

For the people concerned (in the Landes) or who fear catching an infection in transport, Dr. Kierzek advises several essentials:

• Wash your hands and change clothes regularly after potential exposure to contaminated surfaces;
• In the event of a diagnosis with a loved one or colleague: to treat all contacts simultaneously;
• Wash clothes and bed linen at 60 ° C. Isolate non -washable laundry in an airtight bag for 4 days;
• Disinfect the textile surfaces of the buses with anti-gale sprays or hot cleaning, suck up the seats and wait a few days before their reuse.

But no need to fear a dangerous spread of new cases. “If the buses are disinfected in accordance with the recommendations (washing at 60 ° C, isolation of the textiles, the use of acaricide sprays), the transmission is very improbable” concludes the expert.