DOH Issues Advisory on Scabies in Western NY Healthcare Settings

(July 15, 2024) On July 11, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a Health Advisory regarding scabies in health care settings in the western region of NYS. The purpose of the advisory is to recommend maintaining a heightened index of suspicion for scabies in individuals presenting with an undiagnosed skin rash, even if characteristic signs or symptoms of scabies are absent.

A case of crusted scabies was recently identified in a Niagara County health care facility. Additional cases of scabies have been identified among individuals at two other health care facilities following contact with the index case, with control measures implemented in seven other facilities.

Patients with crusted scabies should receive quick and aggressive medical treatment for their infestation because of the risk of complications and to prevent transmission to others. Crusted scabies (formerly known as Norwegian scabies) typically presents with hyperkeratotic plaques that may be fissured and can have associated erythema. Patients with crusted scabies may not show the usual signs, symptoms, or lesion distribution seen in classic scabies. Patients may not have the characteristic rash, and pruritus (itching) may be mild or absent.

Detailed information regarding identification and control of scabies is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Article 28 hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, and nursing homes must report outbreaks of scabies to DOH by contacting their regional epidemiologist. Article 28 hospitals and nursing homes must report using the Nosocomial Outbreak Reporting Application (NORA) available on the DOH Health Commerce System (HCS). Other health care settings should report outbreaks of scabies to their local health department.

For additional assistance, contact the DOH Western Regional Office at 585-423-8076.

Contact: Carrie Mosley, cmosley@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 147