Thousands affected by scabies in eastern Uganda

An outbreak of the skin condition scabies affected about 25,000 people in an eastern district near the capital, Kampala, the BBC reported citing health authorities.

Head of health services in Pallisa district, Geoffrey Mulekwa, is quoted by the BBC as saying that those affected were from fishing villages in Kasodo and Oloki areas.

Scabies is an infestation of tiny mites in the skin. It is contagious between people.

Officials blame communal practises like bathing in the lake for the rising infections where there is poor hygiene.

Villagers are now being encouraged to stop communal sharing, bathe twice a day with soap, wash bedding and dry them under the sun.

Ironing of clothes is also recommended to those who can afford it.