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Aussie hospitals battle ancient infection outbreak

NSW hospitals on high alert as scabies outbreak spreads

Patients and close contacts being traced as authorities try to contain the spread of the highly contagious infection

An outbreak of scabies has affected four hospitals in New South Wales, with authorities racing to trace patients and close contacts who may have been exposed to the highly contagious infection.

The outbreak started at the Wollongong Hospital and has since spread to three other hospitals in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

Scabies is a skin infection caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and irritation.

The infection is spread through close contact with an infected person or by sharing contaminated clothing or bedding.

Symptoms of scabies include intense itching, especially at night, and a rash of small, red bumps.

NSW Health is urging anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case of scabies to get checked for the infection.

Treatment for scabies involves applying a topical medication to the skin to kill the mites.

Authorities are also taking steps to prevent the further spread of the infection, including isolating infected patients and disinfecting contaminated areas.

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