Epidemiology and Infection

Table of Contents - 2007 - Volume 135, Issue 03  


Short Report

A scabies outbreak in a further education college in Gloucestershire

O. O. EJIDOKUN a1c1, O. S. ARUNA a1 and B. O'NEILL a1
a1 Gloucestershire Health Protection Team, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Primary Care Trust, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK

Article author query
ejidokun oo   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
aruna os   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
o'neill b   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

Scabies outbreaks in England have been reported in hospitals, long-stay wards, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) units and residential homes for the elderly. This paper describes the control of an outbreak in a further education college for persons with learning disabilities. In March 2004, four confirmed cases of scabies were reported among a subset of 108 students and 41 staff members. Staff had considerable physical contact with the students who were housed in five groups of homes, individual homes and support centres. Mass prophylaxis was offered to all staff and students, through 39 general practice surgeries. Challenges overcome were: ensuring complete case ascertainment, accessing of up-to-date information about students and staff, achieving a coordinated approach to treatment, securing informed consent and media management. No further outbreaks have been reported. The college has revised its information request form for new students.

(Accepted June 26 2006)
(Published Online September 4 2006)


Correspondence:
c1 Gloucestershire Health Protection Team, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Primary Care Trust, Unit 43, Central Way, Off Arle Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 8LX, UK. (Email: toyin.ejidokun@glos.nhs.uk)

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