An initial case of scabies was confirmed at Wollongong Hospital in late July. Photo: Planning NSW.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is urging people who have been in contact with its health facilities to be on the lookout for the symptoms of scabies as it responds to an outbreak of the contagious skin condition.
An initial case of scabies was confirmed at Wollongong Hospital in late July and immediate steps were taken to limit transmission.
The district is undertaking a thorough tracing process of both staff and patients and continues to contact people who may be directly impacted, or at higher risk of developing symptoms.
ISLHD CEO Margot Mains said 11 patients and 23 staff were diagnosed with scabies to date, which was impacting a number of wards across four ISLHD hospital sites – Wollongong, Coledale, Shellharbour and Bulli.
“Scabies is a common and very treatable condition. While it can be effectively managed in households, much like head lice, it can be difficult to contain especially in a hospital setting where patients are grouped together and there is a high transit level of staff between wards,” she said.
“Because scabies has an incubation period of up to six to eight weeks, it is easily transmitted and can have minimal symptoms initially, there may be undetected cases within our facilities and community.
“To prevent the risk of further transmission, the district will provide preventative treatment for all current inpatients and staff across all our hospital sites and services.”
ISLHD executive director medical services Dr Karen Murphy said patients discharged from hospital since mid-May were being urged to watch for symptoms and contact their GP should they develop an itchy rash.
“While scabies is usually treated effectively with no long-term complications, the condition can be unpleasant and requires treatment to kill the infestation,” she said.
Scabies is a treatable skin condition caused by a mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei, which leads to an itchy rash. It is usually spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or sometimes sharing bedding and towels, or direct handling of linen.
Symptoms of scabies include an itchy rash, commonly found between the fingers and in skinfolds. Itching is usually worse at night or after a hot bath or shower.
Further information about scabies can be found on healthdirect. Members of the community with questions about the scabies outbreak response can email the district at [email protected]. The community can also phone healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour health advice.
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