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Scabies cases surge in Suffolk hospitals amidst falling vaccination rate concerns

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New figures reveal that dozens of patients were diagnosed with scabies after visiting A&E services at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust last year.

Why it matters: Scabies is a rash caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It is usually treatable with cream or lotion. It is usually not serious but can be extremely itchy.

The rise in scabies cases highlights potential links to poverty, while increases in measles and whooping cough diagnoses highlight concerns about falling vaccination rates.

Welcome to Ipswich Hospital sign
Ipswich HospitalOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • Around 65 patients received a scabies diagnosis at the trust's A&E services in 2023-24, up from 15 the previous year.

  • 10 hospitalisations for whooping cough were recorded.

  • Approximately 10 A&E visits were for measles.

The big picture: These local increases mirror a national trend:

  • Measles diagnoses in A&E rose five-fold across England to 2,305 visits

  • Whooping cough diagnoses tripled to 1,696 cases

  • Scabies cases increased by 66% to 5,661 diagnoses

What they're saying: Gwen Nightingale, assistant director of Healthy Lives at the Health Foundation, said: "Not having enough income to sustain a basic standard of living can have a negative impact on health, through factors like cold, damp homes or an inability to access healthy foods. The stress of living on a low income can also negatively impact health."

A UK Health Service Authority spokesperson called the rise in measles hospitalisations a potential "canary in the coalmine" for falling vaccination rates.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccination and screening, said: "These worrying figures highlight that too many children are still not fully protected against diseases like measles and whooping cough, which can cause serious illness but are preventable."

The bottom line: Health experts urge parents to check their children's vaccination records and book appointments with their GP, if needed, to ensure protection against preventable and potentially serious diseases.

Sources

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Family pays tribute to 'loving' Ipswich man killed in A14 crash

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"A loving father, brother and grandad" who brought "joy and laughter" is how relatives described John Vincent, who died in a collision near Stowmarket last month.

Why it matters: The 61-year-old from Ipswich was involved in a fatal crash on the A14 last month, with police now appealing for witnesses.

John Vincent
John VincentSuffolk Constabulary

The details: Police were called just after 23:40 on Thursday, 20 February to reports of a collision involving a car and an HGV on the westbound carriageway of the A14 between Stowmarket and Haughley.

Mr Vincent's black Ford C-Max collided with a Volvo Skip Loader vehicle parked in a layby.

Ambulance crews, firefighters and a paramedic from Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS) attended, but Mr Vincent was sadly declared dead at the scene.

What they're saying: In a tribute released through police, Mr Vincent's family said: "To a loving father, brother and grandad who will be sorely missed for all the joy and laughter you brought into everybody's lives.

"You will be missed greatly by all who knew you. Rest in peace you will never be forgotten.

"We love you. RIP John William Vincent."

What's next: Police are asking witnesses to the collision to contact the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference 37/9754/25.

The bottom line: Support information for those affected by road traffic collisions can be found on the Suffolk Police website.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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