Last week, an outbreak of scabies was reported among Afghans temporarily residing at São Paulo International Airport (GRU), in Guarulhos. Even though this illness can be treated with medications, its most severe form may have strong impacts on the health of people risk groups.
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Poor Conditions
With no space at the migrant shelters, many refugee families have been staying in Terminal 2 at the airport. On the morning of last Thursday (29/06), there were more than 140 Afghans, many of them children.
Due to inadequate installations, many have maintained poor hygiene conditions, which led to the appearance of contagious diseases, such as human scabies. When the outbreak was detected, two weeks ago, and the Guarulhos City Hall distributed medicines on the spot, especially ivermectin, a drug recommended in these cases.
Scabies
Caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, it is a contagious disease transmitted by direct interpersonal contact or through the use of clothing. The main symptoms of human scabies are: very intense itching of the skin, which gets worse at night; small red blisters on the skin; swellings on the skin; white lines on the skin contaminated.
The parasite digs tunnels under the skin where the female lays her eggs. This causes itching, but scratching the injuries can cause skin problems, such as the emergence of small injuries that may be the gateway to a bacterial infection, for example.
The most severe form of scabies, called “crusted scabies”, can affect certain groups considered to be at high risk, including: people with chronic health conditions, people admitted to hospitals; elderly people and children.
Migration
Data gathered by the Observatory of International Migrations show that, since October 2021 until last May, 3,776 Afghans obtained residence permits in Brazil or, then, requested refuge in the country. The phenomenon was caused by the ascension of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan after the US withdrew its troops.
Possible Solution
On Thursday (29/06), Justice and Public Security Minister Flávio Dino announced that Afghans who are sheltered at São Paulo International Airport, in Guarulhos will be welcomed and will be able to stay in hotels, while the federal government seeks a definitive solution to the issue.
