Epidemic Norwegian scabies in a geriatric unit.
Norwegian scabies is highly contagious and presents with a psoriasiform dermatosis. It afflicts particularly the elderly and patients with immunosuppression. Two weeks after the admission of an index case of Norwegian scabies to a geriatric ward, 13 and 25 patients and 6 of 18 ward nurses developed scabies. Despite comprehensive treatment, the ward epidemic recurred 6 weeks later probably as a result of inadequate treatment of the index case. This diagnosis should be considered when patients from high-risk groups present with an undiagnosed rash.
Hopper
A H
AH
Department of Geriatric Medicine, London Hospital.
Salisbury
J
J
Jegadeva
A N
AN
Scott
B
B
Bennett
G C
GC
D000368:Aged; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000635:transmission*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D012008:Recurrence; D012532:Scabies / Q000635:transmission*