Abstract

Scabies is a highly contagious, globally prevalent, parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, also known as the itch mite. There have been outbreaks not only in the developing world, but also in the developed world among refugees and asylum seekers. Once infested with scabies mites, symptomatic patients, as well as asymptomatic carriers, quickly spread the disease through direct skin-to-skin contact. Typically, symptoms of scabies are characterized by an erythematous, papular, pruritic rash associated with burrows. Treatment of scabies involves using topical or systemic scabicides and treating secondary bacterial infections, if present. Given the prevalence and contagiousness of scabies, measures to prevent its spread are essential. Through application of the novel Identify-Isolate-Inform (3I) Tool, emergency medical providers can readily identify risk factors for exposure and important symptoms of the disease, thus limiting its spread through prompt scabicide therapy; isolate the patient until after treatment; and inform local public health authorities and hospital infection prevention, when appropriate. Ultimately, these three actions can aid public health in controlling the transmission of scabies cases, thus ensuring the protection of the general public from this highly contagious skin infestation.

Highlights

  • Human scabies is a highly contagious, globally prevalent, parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, known as the itch mite

  • Prevalence of scabies is low in developed countries, public health authorities are challenged to identify and treat individuals with scabies promptly to avoid transmission amongst close-quartered populations, such as within the growing population of asylum seekers and refugees.[11,12]

  • After an overview of the disease and critical information pertaining to transmission and treatment, this article adapts the 3I (IdentifyIsolate-Inform) Tool to assist frontline providers in the identification and management of potential cases of scabies presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) (Figure 1)

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Summary

UC Irvine

Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health Title Scabies: Application of the Novel Identify-Isolate-Inform Tool for Detection and Management Journal Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health, 21(2)

Original Research
INTRODUCTION
Population Health Research Capsule
IDENTIFY Exposure OR Symptoms
Transmission can occur prior to any symptoms
TRANSMISSION AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Variation for Norwegian scabies
Findings
CONCLUSION
Full Text
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