The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

What to know about the outbreak of this contagious skin condition in hospitals

  • Written by Peta-Anne Zimmerman, Senior Lecturer/Program Advisor, Griffith Graduate Infection Prevention and Control Program, Griffith University

Google searches for “NSW scabies outbreak[1]” have spiked over recent days in light of an outbreak of the contagious skin condition in New South Wales.

According to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District[2] south of Sydney, an initial case was detected at Wollongong Hospital in late July. Since then, at least 11 patients and 23 staff have been diagnosed with scabies across four hospitals in the region.

So what is scabies, and is this outbreak cause for concern?

An itchy rash

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei[3] mite (a type of microscopic insect), which buries underneath skin and lays eggs.

Generally, the symptoms show up as an itchy rash, raised bumps, or bites. You may also see “tracks” on your skin, which might appear as thin, tiny, raised or discoloured lines.

Scabies most commonly appears in folds of the skin, such as between the fingers[4], under the armpit, or in the groin area. The itch is usually worse at night[5] or after you’ve had a hot shower.

Scabies can look a lot like other rashes, such as eczema, psoriasis, or even just dry skin. So the best thing to do if you think you might have scabies is to go and be assessed by a doctor or other health professional. They will be better able to tell whether or not it’s scabies, and may also take a skin sample to identify it.

How does scabies spread?

Scabies spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It can also spread via towels, bedding and clothes. This is because the mite can survive outside a human for roughly 48 hours[6].

Once you’ve been exposed to the parasite and it has been transmitted, it can take between two[7] and eight weeks[8] for symptoms to present. This is because it takes time for the mite to enter the skin, lay their eggs there, and for the eggs to hatch, which contributes to the symptoms.

However, you can be a source of transmission even before symptoms appear, which is why scabies can be so difficult to control.

_Sarcoptes scabiei_ under a microscope.
A mite called Sarcoptes scabiei causes scabies. Blossom Tomorrow/Shutterstock[9]

Can it be treated?

It’s important not to scratch scabies. Doing so may spread the newborn mites[10] under your skin, meaning a larger area can become affected. Scratching could also cause a secondary bacterial infection[11].

The good news is scabies can be treated quite easily once it’s identified. Your doctor will usually recommend a cream or lotion[12], which will generally be available over the counter. The cream is normally applied to your whole body (staying away from sensitive areas such as the head and neck[13]) once before bed, and then again around a week later. But follow the instructions for use on the product or any guidance from your doctor.

The topical treatment kills the mites and eggs, so it’s safe for someone who has had scabies to mix with other people 24 hours after[14] the initial treatment.

How contacts are managed or treated will be advised by health authorities or professionals. But, given scabies is so contagious, it’s generally recommended that close contacts of known cases receive treatment too, via a single application of the cream or lotion.

If you or someone in your house has scabies, wash any bedding, towels or clothing used in the previous 48 hours in a hot-wash cycle. If you don’t have access to a hot wash, another option is to collect these items into a plastic bag[15] and leave it for a week. The mites will have died by the time you retrieve them.

Scabies is quite common

According to the World Health Organization, at least 200 million people[16] worldwide have scabies at any one time. Scabies can occur anywhere but is most common in areas with high population density.

It’s endemic in some remote communities[17] in Australia, where it predominantly affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people[18].

Sometimes, outbreaks will occur in regional and metropolitan areas, as we’re seeing now in NSW.

Outbreaks can spread easily[19] in places like nursing homes, child care centres, detention centres and prisons, where people live or spend time in close quarters.

Four children in a child care centre sitting on the floor clapping.
Scabies outbreaks can spread easily in settings where there’s lots of close contact. Ground Picture/Shutterstock[20]

What about the NSW outbreak?

Information about how the outbreak in NSW started is currently unavailable. It’s unlucky an outbreak has affected hospitals, which have strong infection prevention and control procedures.

Health-care facilities have plans in place[21] to manage an outbreak of this nature if it occurs. Any patient with scabies, or suspected to have it, would likely be put into what we call “contact precautions”. This means they would have their own room and bathroom, and staff looking after them would have to take extra protective measures.

It’s recommended any staff member with scabies should not return to work until 24 hours[22] after they’ve received the appropriate treatment.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District also says it’s undertaking extensive contact tracing[23] to identify people who may be at risk.

But even with stringent infection prevention and control procedures and a thorough public health response, the outbreak is likely to take some time to bring under control. This is mainly because of the challenges of diagnosis and the time between when a person is exposed and when symptoms appear.

If you’ve spent time in one of the affected hospitals, or live in the local area, there’s no need to panic. But keep an eye out for any unusual rash, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

References

  1. ^ NSW scabies outbreak (trends.google.com)
  2. ^ Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au)
  3. ^ Sarcoptes scabiei (www.health.vic.gov.au)
  4. ^ between the fingers (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  5. ^ worse at night (www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au)
  6. ^ roughly 48 hours (www.health.vic.gov.au)
  7. ^ two (www.health.vic.gov.au)
  8. ^ eight weeks (www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au)
  9. ^ Blossom Tomorrow/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  10. ^ spread the newborn mites (www.thenewdaily.com.au)
  11. ^ secondary bacterial infection (www.health.vic.gov.au)
  12. ^ a cream or lotion (www.health.vic.gov.au)
  13. ^ head and neck (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  14. ^ 24 hours after (www.healthdirect.gov.au)
  15. ^ plastic bag (www.cdc.gov)
  16. ^ 200 million people (www.who.int)
  17. ^ remote communities (www.abc.net.au)
  18. ^ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (journals.plos.org)
  19. ^ spread easily (sussex.figshare.com)
  20. ^ Ground Picture/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  21. ^ plans in place (www.nhmrc.gov.au)
  22. ^ 24 hours (www.nhmrc.gov.au)
  23. ^ extensive contact tracing (www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/scabies-what-to-know-about-the-outbreak-of-this-contagious-skin-condition-in-hospitals-236482

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...