Scabies alert for patients

The Press | Wednesday, 18 June 2008 A unit at Christchurch's Burwood Hospital is treating patients and staff for scabies after several unconfirmed cases in recent months. The mite, which burrows into the skin and causes rashes of small, itchy bumps, is transmitted between people through skin contact. It can survive independently in bedding and furnishings for about 72 hours. The hospital's infection control clinical nurse specialist, Anne-Marie Wildbore, said a patient had rashes and itching about two months ago, as did another two patients recently. None of the cases had been confirmed as scabies in laboratory tests. A few staff had also reported suspected cases. The hospital had treated all patients and staff in the affected ward. Bedding and clothing had been laundered, and some communal areas, such as the gymnasium, had... [read full story]