surprising return of a forgotten disease

According to a recent study, there has been a 34.5% increase in hospitalizations for scurvy since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. What could be the factors explaining this increase?

The resurgence of scurvy in France

A disease that we thought had disappeared, scurvy, is making a worrying resurgence in France. According to a recent study, hospitalizations for cases of scurvy have increased by 34.5% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scurvy: a deficiency disease

The scurvy is a condition caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that our bodies neither produce nor store. It is normally supplied by food and in the event of a profound deficiency, scurvy can develop within a few months. Symptoms include severe joint pain, severe muscle weakness and bleeding. Without medical intervention and a change in diet, the patient may die from hemorrhage or heart failure.

Return of scurvy in children

Scurvy had practically disappeared since the end of the 20th century in high-income countries, particularly in Europe. However, a recent study reveals a resurgence of scurvy among children in France. According to Inserm, “The increase in hospitalizations is estimated at 34.5% after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic”. This increase is corroborated by a 20.3% increase in cases of severe malnutrition, thus reinforcing the link of scurvy with a deterioration in the nutritional status of children.

The influence of precariousness and inflation

According to the researchers, the significant increase in cases of scurvy and severe malnutrition paralleled a worsening of precariousness and an increase in inflation. Although a cause and effect relationship is not demonstrated in the study, it is considered “plausible” by the researchers. Scurvy can be linked to a variety of factors, including environmental and social factors, as well as dietary habits. The global socio-economic and political crises following the pandemic have also had an unexpected impact on worsening food insecurity.

Protecting children from malnutrition

To protect children from malnutrition, several recommendations are made:

• Implementation of targeted food aid programs.
• Improving access to nutritious and affordable food.
• Strengthening clinical training for the prevention and early detection of dietary deficiencies.

As a reminder, foods rich in vitamin C are kiwi, lychee, mango, papaya, peach, strawberry, citrus fruits, parsley, kale, pepper, broccoli, collard greens, cabbage from Brussels…