An Outbreak of Scabies in a Long-Term Care Facility: The Role of Misdiagnosis and the Costs Associated With Control

Abstract

In August 2003, an outbreak of scabies was detected in a Canadian long-term care facility. The outbreak was likely associated with 2 index cases, 1 involving classic scabies and the other involving Norwegian scabies. The scabies control costs totaled CDN $200,000, and the facility received negative publicity for a short period after the outbreak.