AN OUTBREAK of scabies has been confirmed.
Five NHS Lothian sites have been identified as having cases of the skin condition, including Roodlands Hospital in Haddington.
Dr Duncan McCormick, Public Health Consultant, NHS Lothian, confirmed the outbreak but added that scabies “does not present a serious health risk” and said: “Robust infection prevention and control measures have been enhanced and the situation is being monitored very closely.”
A special multi-disciplinary Problem Assessment Group (PAG) has been formed, and monitoring and treatment is being provided to patients and staff.
Scabies is a common and very itchy skin condition caused by human scabies mites, which are tiny parasites and smaller than a pinhead.
It can affect people of any age, but is most common in the young and the elderly.
Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated.
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