Over recent months, more Maltese residents have been sharing experiences of persistent itching, rashes, and other symptoms that resemble scabies. Yet, despite these growing personal reports, there has been little recent mention of scabies in local media or official public-health updates. According to a web search conducted in early November 2025, the last substantial Maltese coverage dates back to early 2024, but since then, no new alerts or national updates appear to have been issued.
This absence of recent communication raises important questions about public awareness, particularly as Malta continues to face housing pressures and shared-accommodation challenges that may increase opportunities for such skin infestations to spread.
(Note: As of publication, no official Maltese health authority has declared an ongoing outbreak. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness and encourage timely prevention and treatment.)
What Is Scabies?
Scabies is caused by a microscopic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows into human skin. The body reacts to the mite’s presence with intense itching and small, pimple-like rashes.
The condition spreads mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact (eg. between sexual partners), though sharing bedding or clothing can also pass it from one person to another. Because symptoms may take several weeks to appear, scabies can unknowingly circulate in households, dormitories, or shared rooms.
I started itching all over, but especially in particular areas including my abdomen. I thought it was an allergy. But then my partner started itching too. Soon after all my family was itching. And the type of itch it causes drives you crazy. No matter how hard you try to stop, you just cannot! – Anonymous
How It Manifests
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent itching, often worse at night
- Tiny red bumps or lines on the skin, especially between fingers, on wrists, elbows, waist, or groin
- Scratching-related sores or scabs
- In severe, untreated cases, crusted (Norwegian) scabies, which causes thick crusts containing large numbers of mites
Because scabies can mimic eczema or allergies, it may be overlooked or misdiagnosed, delaying proper treatment.
I went to have myself checked for persistent itching at the local health centre and was told it was an allergy. Following recommended treatment everything stayed the same. It was months later that finally a GP diagnosed me with Scabies and gave me the appropriate treatment! – Anonymous
Scabies Treatment and Prevention
Scabies is treatable and curable with prescription medication. Doctors typically recommend topical creams (such as permethrin or benzyl benzoate) applied from neck to toes, often repeated after one week.
For effective control:
- All household members and close contacts should be treated at the same time.
- Bedding, clothes, and towels should be washed at high temperatures.
- Vacuuming and airing out mattresses help reduce reinfestation risk.
- Follow-up medical review is essential to ensure all mites and eggs are eradicated.
Why Public Awareness Matters
Even without an officially declared outbreak, a rise in community-level cases can strain healthcare services and affect quality of life. Early recognition helps stop the cycle of re-infection and prevents unnecessary stigma.
Importantly, scabies is not a reflection of poor hygiene; it can affect anyone. However, socio-economic factors, such as crowded living conditions or high rent forcing people to share sleeping spaces, can make transmission more likely.
When my GP told me that my itching was caused by scabies, I honestly felt ‘dirty’. I am currently going through a hard time and I don’t even have a bed I can call my own right now. This must be the reason why I caught scabies in the first place – Anonymous
Public-health transparency and awareness are key. When citizens understand how to identify, treat, and prevent scabies, the spread can be controlled quickly and quietly.
Conclusion
At present, no official Maltese outbreak has been declared, but anecdotal reports suggest that scabies may be causing discomfort for more people than usual. By bringing this discussion to light, responsibly and based on available information, the goal is not alarm, but empowerment through awareness.
Anyone experiencing persistent itching or skin irritation should seek medical advice from a GP or dermatologist rather than self-diagnose.
Open communication between communities, healthcare professionals, and authorities ensures that preventable conditions like scabies are managed swiftly before they become larger public-health concerns.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and public-awareness purposes only. The information provided does not substitute professional medical advice or official public-health communications. Readers are encouraged to verify updates through Malta’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate and consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
References
British Association of Dermatologists. (2022). Scabies: Patient information leaflet. https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/scabies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 20). Scabies: Biology, symptoms, and treatment. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/index.html
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate. (n.d.). Scabies. Government of Malta. https://hpdp.gov.mt/idcu/infectious-diseases/a-to-z-of-infectious-diseases/scabies
Indiana University, Environmental Health & Safety. (n.d.). Scabies. Protect IU. https://protect.iu.edu/environmental-health/public-environment/communicable-diseases/scabies.html
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Scabies: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scabies/symptoms-causes/syc-20377378
Newsbook Malta. (2024, February 21). Facts you need to know about scabies. https://newsbook.com.mt/en/facts-you-need-to-know-about-scabies/
Private Medical Clinic. (n.d.). Scabies: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Private Medical Clinic. https://www.privatemedicalclinic.com/post/scabies-causes-symptoms-and-treatment
World Health Organization. (2023). Scabies. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/scabies
Claire Galea is a self-employed holistic care practitioner with formal training in nursing. She is passionate about patient-centered care and public education on health and social issues. Committed to lifelong learning, Claire enjoys exploring a broad range of topics, from spirituality to contemporary affairs.
Claire is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. She is the author of two downloadable ebooks, namely Heal Your Life Forever and 5 Simple Steps To Creating The Life Of Your Dreams.
Click here to check out Claire’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
