Scabies treatments scarce as outbreak spreads to four hospitals
Almost 40 cases have been detected including in healthcare staff, NSW authorities say.
A scabies outbreak has spread to four NSW hospitals, with dozens of health staff infected amid a national shortage of treatments for the infection.
The first case was confirmed in a patient at Wollongong Hospital on 22 July and by 7 August almost 40 people were affected, according to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD).
Scabies was detected in at least 13 patients and 24 staff in wards at Wollongong and nearby hospitals in Bulli, Coledale and Shellharbour.
ISLHD chief executive Margot Mains said “immediate action” was taken following the first case, including contact tracing and isolating the ward.
