Published: Friday, 30th October, 2009 10:00am

Scabies outbreak at site of new ambulance base in Edenderry

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A scabies outbreak has been confirmed at the nursing home where Edenderry's new ambulance service is based.

Cases of the skin infection emerged last week at the Ofalia House nursing home, where the ambulance service was initiated at the beginning of September.

The HSE said yesterday (Thursday) that the necessary treatment measures had been put in place and that, as a result, there were no plans for a temporary relocation of the ambulance service.

Scabies is contagious and can be passed to someone else through close physical contact, such as holding hands.

In some cases the parasite can be spread onto objects like keyboards, toilets, clothing, towels, bedding and furniture.

It is thought that the Edenderry outbreak was originated by a visitor to the nursing home. One resident at the home contracted scabies and was treated, while a further ten of the nursing home's 80 staff also received treatment for suspected cases of the infection.

In a statement, the HSE said that "a number of cases of scabies have been identified in Ofalia House, (long stay elderly) in Edenderry.

"Scabies is a treatable skin infection characterised by intense itching.

"Occupational Health and Public Health liaised with management and staff and those affected were treated appropriately," it said, adding: "Information and advice regarding treatment was also provided to the families of the residents at the facility."