A Case of Norwegian Scabies Outbreak / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

We present a case of Norwegian scabies in a 79-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which resulted in a ward outbreak of classical scabies. A total of 23 people including nurses, nursing students, physicians, other patients in the same ward and their families were diagnosed with the infestation. Skin scales from the patient revealed numerous scabies mites (21.3/mg) at various stages from egg to adult. The patient had previously suffered from neurodermatitis and xerotic eczema for 5 years. Long-term systemic steroid therapy was considered as a possible cause of Norwegian scabies in this patient. Control of the infestation was achieved by implementing an immediate surveillance system, strict isolation and administration of scabicidal medication.