The resurgence of scurvy among children is raising concerns across France, highlighting the alarming return of this disease, which had long been considered eradicated from developed countries. Historically known as the "disease of sailors," scurvy is caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, leading to symptoms such as bone pain, muscle weakness, and even tooth loss. Recent studies have indicated troubling links between increasing cases of scurvy and the economic challenges families face amid rising food insecurity.
According to recent findings published on December 6, 2024, by the medical journal The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, there was approximately a 34.5% rise in hospitalizations for scurvy among children following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Ulrich Meinzer, a pediatrician at Robert Debré Hospital in Paris, was alarmed by this trend and initiated detailed research when he noticed more young patients presenting symptoms consistent with scurvy over the last few years. "Cela nous a beaucoup intrigué," he recalled during an interview on RTL, emphasizing how the disease had "complètement disparu" from France.
Over the nine years from 2015 to 2024, nearly 900 children were hospitalized due to scurvy. Remarkably, about two-thirds of these cases were identified after the pandemic began. The symptoms of scurvy—such as intense joint pain, weakness, and bleeding gums—often emerge within just one to three months of insufficient vitamin C intake, which can quickly lead to severe health complications without timely intervention.
Vitamin C is fundamental for maintaining collagen, which is integral to skin, blood vessels, and bone health. This nutrient cannot be produced or stored by the human body, making dietary sources—primarily fruits and vegetables—essential. Unfortunately, recent shifts toward unhealthy eating habits, exacerbated by the inflation rate hitting around 15% in early 2023, have significantly reduced access to fresh produce for many families.
"La crise sanitaire mondiale et l’inflation, atteignant +15 % en début 2023, ont aggravé l’insécurité alimentaire," emphasized the report highlighting the socioeconomic dynamics at play. Professor Meinzer's study confirmed these observations, pinpointing the correlation between the public health crisis and the increase of children suffering from malnutrition alongside scurvy cases.
The symptoms of scurvy can be severe. According to Inserm, "Sans traitement approprié et rapide, le scorbut peut être mortel." Previously prevalent among impoverished populations or sailors deprived of fresh food, the disease's resurfacing reminds us of vulnerabilities within modern food systems, especially affecting children. It often leads to conditions like anemia and promotes higher infection risks.
Hospitalization data show not only the spike in scurvy but also attribute the malnutrition rate among young patients to society's changing dynamics. While scurvy was historically associated with sailors and long sea voyages, its re-emergence signifies the fragility of food availability today. The 888 documented pediatric cases reflect broader public health issues wherein economic strain directly impacts nutritional status.
Experts advocate for swift actions to combat this public health concern. Suggested measures include targeted food aid programs for the most disadvantaged families, enhancing access to nutritious and affordable food, and implementing public policies to bolster local food production. Community-driven initiatives should also focus on nutritional education, encouraging greater consumption of vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and leafy greens.
"Malheureusement, la hausse des prix et la baisse du pouvoir d’achat privent de nombreuses familles d’une alimentation nutritive et équilibrée,” lamented one nutritionist. He noted the need for educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of dietary choices. Schools could incorporate initiatives promoting the intake of fresh produce, which offers long-term solutions to avert future health crises.
The alarmingly increasing cases of scurvy among children serve as a stark reminder of the broader socio-economic challenges facing food security. Acting quickly to mitigate such risks is imperative, as failing to do so could result not only in individual health crises but also signal greater systemic failings within the country’s food supply chains.
To prevent this health crisis from deterioriating, combined efforts from government, NGOs, and the community at large will be necessary to guarantee equitable access to nutritious food for all families, particularly those hardest hit by economic instability. Increasing public education on nutrition is equally important as part of the strategy to avert the resurgence of this once-forgotten disease.
