KIGALI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan health ministry on Sunday warned about an outbreak of skin disease scabies in some areas.

Scabies has been reported in homes, schools and other public places in the capital city Kigali and has so far been reported in 14 districts of the country, said Alphonsine Mukamunana, who is in charge of environment health at the ministry of health, on a talk show on the Radio Rwanda.

The ministry urged the public to adopt proper personal hygiene practices such as bathing and hand washing to reduce chances of contracting the disease, and the culture of handshaking should be avoided, said Mukamunana.

The disease is curable and drugs are available in all health facilities around the country, while those affected should seek quick medical attention, she said.

Scabies infestation is frequently complicated by bacterial infection, leading to the development of skin sores that, in turn, can cause more serious consequences such as septicaemia, heart disease and chronic kidney disease.