The International Alliance
for the Control of Scabies (IACS)
A global network of researchers, clinicians and public health experts committed to the control of human scabies and the promotion of health and wellbeing of all those living in affected communities.
Scabies Overview
What it is and why it is a problem
Human scabies is caused by infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. The mite, invisible to the naked eye, burrows into the epidermis and lays eggs and triggers a host immune response, leading to intense itching following infestation with just a few mites. Scabies infestation is frequently complicated by bacterial infection leading to the development of skin sores which in turn can cause more serious consequences such as septicaemia, heart and chronic kidney disease.
Recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease, scabies remains a significant public health concern. The WHO has included scabies control in its 2021–2030 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases, highlighting ambitious global efforts to reduce its burden.
Disease burden
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Distribution
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Pathology & Sequelae
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Diagnosis
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Management
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Control and Elimination
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About IACS
Mission statement
The International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) is a global network committed to the control of human scabies and the promotion of health and wellbeing of all those living in affected communities.
We have over 300 members from more than 60 countries.
Did you know?
Scabies is one of the most common dermatological diseases in lower and lower middle income countries.
Globally scabies affects more than 207 million people at any time.
Resources
Media Library
Webinars
Publications
Get Involved
Become a Member
Associate Membership
FREE
- Access to IACS members pages and resources
- Access to Media Library
- Reference required from current member
- No voting privileges
Full Membership
Start at $20 USD*
- Voting privileges at Annual General Meetings
- Discounts at any paid events
- Access to IACS members pages and resources
- Access to Media Library
- Reference required from current member
Media Library
FREE
Existing members are now Associate members and may log in to access the media library or subscribe to one our our Full Membership packages.
News & Events
IACS/RSTMH Grant applications close soon for 2022
Make sure you get your Early Career Grant application, including both references, in by the deadline of 17:00 BST on 29 April 2022! Open for applications from scabies researchers & professionals based anywhere in the world.
RSTMH Grant applications for 2022
The IACS Steering Committee is excited to announce that IACS is a 2022 grant partner for the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) Early Career Grants Programme. IACS will fund one RSMTH research project on scabies and welcome applications focused on...
Scabies Control Framework Published
In a new publication in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, members of the IACS leadership, together with representatives from endemic countries, WHO and NTD researchers, outline a series of recommendations for a Framework for Scabies Control. These recommendations...