A scabies 'epidemic' has been spreading through Oldham's care homes
manchestereveningnews.co.ukAn ‘epidemic’ of scabies in care homes has been taking place in Oldham, councillors were told. In recent months there have been 12 outbreaks of the infectious rash in the borough, with 83 cases confirmed to public health teams.
Scabies is a rash caused by the infestation of the skin by a mite. It can cause a raised rash or spots, and be intensely itchy – especially at night.
The condition can be transmitted by prolonged or frequent skin-to-skin contact. The NHS says that people who live or work closely together in nurseries, university halls of residence or nursing homes are more at risk.
At a meeting of the full council, Councillor Barbara Brownridge, who holds the portfolio for health and social care, said that they are now able to tackle the outbreaks after ‘challenges’ accessing the necessary treatment.
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