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
Annual Global Scabies Control meeting
We are pleased to announce that registrations are now open for the 8th Annual IACS Scabies Control Global Meeting. The meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th November, 2019, from 815am - 4pm at MGM National Harbor, Maryland, USA. This year's program will include...
WHO Scabies meeting
February 2019, Manila Several members of IACS attended the ‘WHO Informal Consultation on a Framework for Scabies Control’ in Manila in February. This was an excellent, highly productive three-day meeting convened to help inform a framework for global scabies control...
Scabies Research Highlights
Several high-impact publications, co-authored by members of IACS, have recently highlighted advances and outstanding issues in scabies control. A review in The Lancet described the priorities for research and action for the public health control of scabies. A...