Bad Belzig, 17.04.2025 - The district of Potsdam-Mittelmark is currently experiencing a sharp increase in scabies, a disease caused by itch mites, in community facilities such as kindergartens and schools. In order to prevent further spread of the disease and protect the health of the community, the public health department is providing information about the disease. It is important to know: Infestation by scabies mites is not a question of hygiene! Infection with scabies can affect anyone who has close direct skin contact with people who already have the disease or are infected. This is particularly the case in daycare centres, schools and in sports with close physical contact.

A clinical picture caused by itch mites is not always immediately recognised as such and can resemble various dermatological clinical pictures. If parents notice symptoms of eczema with itching, redness, blisters etc. on themselves or their child, this should be clarified with a doctor. The period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms of scabies is usually 2 to 5 weeks.

Outside the opening hours of dermatological and GP practices, this can be done in the contact practices of the Brandenburg Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. You can find the practices and their opening hours under the following link: On-call medical practices | Homepage

The aim is to break the chains of infection. The main tasks include the early identification of cases of infection, the monitoring of disease progression and the targeted control of outbreaks. These tasks are carried out by the Health Service, which implements the necessary steps to ensure health protection. It is therefore important to know:

Access to communal facilities (e.g. daycare centres, schools, etc.):

People who are cared for or work in facilities in accordance with Section 33 of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) are not allowed to enter the facility if they have scabies or are suspected of having the disease. Exceptions to this ban on entry may be authorised in agreement with the public health department in accordance with Section 34 (7) IfSG, provided that measures to prevent transmission are implemented.

Duty of notification for custodians:

Parents are obliged to inform the facilities in accordance with Section 34 IfSG if their children are infected with scabies.

Duty of notification of facilities in accordance with § 34 and § 36 IfSG:

Community facilities and shared accommodation are obliged to notify the responsible health authority in the event of a case of scabies or suspected scabies.

All affected persons should take these measures seriously to prevent further spread of the disease and protect the health of the community.

If you have any questions, please contact the public health department:

gesundheitsamt@potsdam-mittelmark.de