Several cases of scabies were diagnosed recently among patients and staff in two West Prince hospitals and residents and staff in a chronic care facility in West Prince. It is believed that at least one resident of the chronic care facility who had scabies and was admitted to both hospitals may have been the source of the skin condition.
Scabies is commonly called "the itch" and is caused by a small mite which gets under the skin, usually on the back of the hands, trunk and lower back. Itching is usually worse at night. The diagnosis is often difficult, because the rash often does not look the same in every person.
"There are no diseases carried by the mite and the main concern is the itching, which may be very aggravating," advised Chief Health Officer, Dr. Lamont Sweet.
To control the outbreak, all contacts of cases who have a rash and their families, have been advised to receive treatment of a cream or lotion applied to their skin. Persons who are treated are able to return to work or school 24 hours after treatment. Approximately 30 persons who had a rash in the three facilities in West Prince were considered eligible for treatment.
The staff of the two hospitals and the chronic care facility have been cooperating in ensuring that all those who have a rash are treated as soon as possible. It has not been considered necessary to close the facilities, as scabies is not spread through the air and all those with a rash were recommended for treatment yesterday.