what Happened?

An outbreak of scabies ⁣has been⁢ identified at the Settimo​ Torinese hospital ⁣(Torino, Italy), affecting two individuals: a patient and a socio-health operator (OSS). The outbreak was frist detected after⁢ the OSS, who is now recovering at home, ​received a confirmed diagnosis following a dermatological ⁢analysis on August 11th at the ⁣San lazzaro hospital. This triggered immediate containment protocols.

Currently, among approximately eighty patients in ⁢the hospitalS Continuity ​in Health ⁣Value (CAVS) department – a population ‌largely comprised of elderly individuals – only one ⁤other person has tested positive for scabies. ⁣As a precautionary measure, a colleague of ⁣the infected OSS,‍ who is asymptomatic, ⁤has been temporarily removed ‌from duties. The⁢ roommate of⁤ the infected patient,⁢ also asymptomatic, has been ​transferred to another‌ department.

Rapid response and Containment

Hospital director Giuseppe Gulino confirmed that a comprehensive ⁣response was immediately activated, ⁣including ⁣prophylactic treatment​ for ⁤all staff and patients within ⁢the affected department. A thorough sanitization of all‍ environments is underway ‍to minimize any further risk of transmission. The department will ‍remain under quarantine until ⁢all prophylactic measures are completed.

Understanding Scabies

Scabies is a ⁢skin condition caused‌ by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes Scabiei. it’s transmitted through prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and is highly contagious.​ While not considered a serious health threat, scabies can ‍cause intense itching and skin ‍irritation.

Treatment protocols at ‍Settimo Torinese hospital differ ​based ‌on the individual. The‍ OSS is being​ treated​ with ⁢a cream-based medication, while patients are receiving⁤ a ⁢series⁤ of pesticide solution showers, repeated ⁢weekly, a more intensive approach deemed necessary to contain the outbreak.

A Recurring Concern

this isn’t the first time the Settimo Torinese ‌hospital has faced a scabies outbreak ⁤within the CAVS department. ‍A similar incident⁣ occurred in October⁢ 2020, during the height of the‍ COVID-19 pandemic,⁢ affecting at least six individuals -⁢ one patient and five nurses and socio-health operators.