A scabies outbreak hitting a handful of hospitals across the NSW Illawarra region has now blown out to 38 people.
The first case was confirmed at Wollongong Hospital in late July, with NSW health urging residents to monitor for symptoms.
In an update on Wednesday, health officials confirmed the outbreak had now spread to 14 patients and 24 staff across Wollongong, Coledale, Shellharbour and Bulli hospitals.
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Scabies is an infectious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, however, it is treatable.
“I recognise the impact that this unpleasant condition has had on patients and staff and would like to reassure them and the community that we are working hard to control the outbreak and support those affected,” Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District ( ISLHD) chief executive Margot Mains said.
Mains said much like headlice, scabies can be difficult to contain, especially in a hospital setting where patients are grouped together.
“Because scabies has an incubation period of up to six to eight weeks, is easily transmitted and can have minimal symptoms initially, there may be undetected cases within our facilities and community,” she said.
“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.”
Patients who were discharged from hospital since mid-May are being urged to watch for symptoms and contact their GP should they develop an itchy rash.
Symptoms:
- Rashes, commonly on your wrists, between your fingers and toes, in your armpits, your elbows, your groin, the creases of your bottom
- Itching
- Sores
- Thick crusts on the skin
Those concerned about the scabies outbreak should contact the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.