Scabies outbreaks surge in Estonia, hitting schools and pharmacies hard

Scabies outbreaks have spread across Estonia in recent months, particularly affecting schoolchildren. The surge in cases has led to a sharp rise in demand for anti-scabies treatments in major cities like Tallinn and Tartu.

Warnings from the Estonian Health Board in December 2025 first alerted pharmaceutical companies to a possible outbreak. In response, drug suppliers stocked up on unusually large quantities of permethrin cream and other scabies treatments.

Several clusters of scabies have since been confirmed in schools and educational institutions. Despite the growing concern, Estonian authorities have not released official figures on the scale of the problem. Pharmacies in Tallinn and Tartu now report high demand for anti-scabies products. The situation has left parents and healthcare providers scrambling for effective solutions.

The outbreak has put pressure on medical suppliers and health officials. With no official data published, the full extent of the scabies spread remains unclear. Schools and families continue to seek treatments as cases persist.