Scabies surveillance, prevention, and control

Outbreaks of scabies have been reported in acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities, and have involved both patients and staff. In the studies reviewed, the single most important cause of the outbreaks was failure to observe and document the condition of the skin at the time of admission and take immediate and appropriate action to diagnose, treat, and prevent transmission. To prevent outbreaks, facilities should develop a written scabies outbreak control plan; train healthcare workers to recognize, document, and report the condition of residents' skin at the time of admission, and frequently thereafter; implement barrier precautions for residents with suspicious rashes or symptoms; perform diagnostic tests; and treat cases and their contacts with an effective scabicide.