Journal article
Retrospective analysis of institutional scabies outbreaks from 1984 to 2013: lessons learned and moving forward
Epidemiology and Infection, Vol.144(11), pp.2462-2471
2016
Abstract
Scabies outbreaks can be disruptive in institutional settings, and are associated with considerable but under-researched morbidity, especially in vulnerable populations. In this paper, we describe key findings from a retrospective review of scabies outbreaks reported in the literature over the past 30 years. We undertook this review to gain insights into the impact of institutional outbreaks, the burden in terms of attack rates, economic costs, treatment trends, the types of index cases and outbreak progression. We found 84 reports over 30 years, with outbreaks most frequently reported in aged care facilities (n = 40) and hospitals (n = 33). On average, scabies outbreaks persisted for 3 months, and the median attack rate was 38%. While 1% lindane was once the most commonly employed acaricide, 5% permethrin and oral ivermectin are increasingly used. Crusted scabies represented the index case for 83% of outbreaks, and scabies was misdiagnosed in 43% outbreaks. The frequency of reported scabies outbreaks has not declined consistently over time suggesting the disease is still highly problematic. We contend that more research and practice emphasis must be paid to improve diagnostic methods, surveillance and control, health staff education and management of crusted scabies to prevent the development of scabies outbreaks in institutional settings.
Details
- Title
- Retrospective analysis of institutional scabies outbreaks from 1984 to 2013: lessons learned and moving forward
- Authors
- Kate E Mounsey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringHugh C Murray (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringMallory King (Author) - QIMR, AustraliaFlorin I Oprescu (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication details
- Epidemiology and Infection, Vol.144(11), pp.2462-2471
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1017/S0950268816000443
- ISSN
- 0950-2688
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Engage Research Lab; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449132602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
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- Infectious Diseases
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