Scabies outbreak in an extended care unit--a positive outcome

A recent outbreak of scabies occurred in an extended care unit attached to an acute care hospital. Seventy-eight residents and over 100 staff and family members were treated at a cost of more than $20,000. The protocol in use at that time was found to be inadequate for an outbreak situation because it was based on the assumption that all staff would have previous experience of this type of problem. Close liaison with the head nurse of the affected unit, the occupational health and safety department, the medical microbiologist and the infection control department has resulted in the development of a procedure that reflects all of the concerns that were raised during the outbreak. In addition, a policy was formulated to cover problems associated with contacting medical personnel in a timely manner. This outbreak has resulted in positive changes in procedures as well as improved communication in a wide variety of departments within the hospital.