Home / Health / Fox infestation causes rare scabies in London woman
Fox infestation causes rare scabies in London woman
2 Dec
Summary
- A woman contracted rare dog/fox scabies from a fox on her sofa.
- Doctors misdiagnosed the condition as an allergic reaction initially.
- The journalist had to cancel a holiday due to the severe infestation.
An unusual case of dog/fox scabies has been reported in London, where a woman contracted the condition after a fox entered her home and relaxed on her sofa. Alexandra Shulman, 67, developed a vivid red, unbearable rash on the very spot the fox had occupied. Initial medical assessments at A&E suggested an allergic reaction, but further consultation with dermatologists confirmed a rare infestation of sarcoptes scabiei var canis.
This specific type of scabies, typically found in dogs and foxes, is rare in humans, with one specialist noting it as a first in over 30 years of practice. The intense itching plagued Shulman for days, disrupting her sleep and forcing her to seek extensive relief. Fortunately, this form of scabies is not transmissible between humans, meaning she posed no contagious risk.
The journalist underwent several weeks of treatment using a medicated liquid. The incident comes amidst reports of a resurgence of scabies in UK schools. The disease, known for causing extreme itchiness due to mites burrowing under the skin, can be easily mistaken for other skin conditions.
