Scabies is a highly contagious parasitic infestation of the skin and a clinically significant cause of morbidity, especially among people who are debilitated, immunocompromised, institutionalized, or elderly. Successful control of a scabies outbreak requires a facility-specific outbreak control plan, including techniques for early case identification and treatment, robust infection and environmental controls, and protocols for communication and education.

​Pennsylvania nursing homes reported 484 cases of scabies and 37 outbreaks. One hundred ten scabies events were reported from hospital inpatient, emergency, and outpatient settings, as well as from ASFs, with one outbreak occurring in a psychiatric unit (Table). Event report narratives from hospital and ASF settings identified problems associated with inadequate communication to receiving units or facilities, including delays in diagnosis, treatment, and instituting precautions; cancelled surgeries; and unrecognized contacts resulting in exposures.