Care home residents in Oldham will be monitored for signs of infestation from a contagious mite until at least February next year.

In a cabinet report for health and social care, presented at full council on November 1, the council was told that cases and outbreaks of scabies had increased over the past few months, and that there had been challenges in accessing treatment.

Now, cabinet member for health and social care, Cllr Barbara Brownridge, has revealed more details on what is being done to prevent residents from being re-infested with the mite, which can be transmitted before symptoms develop.

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Cllr Brownridge said: “In any scabies outbreak our public health teams work closely with the home to assess the situation, help administer treatment and reduce the risk of re-infection.

“In a recent outbreak at a home in Oldham national guidance was followed with two treatments implemented seven days apart, with a monitoring period of 12 weeks then taking place.

“Homes affected complete weekly reviews to check for any new symptoms to ensure they’re aware of how the situation develops.

"Our health protection team support the homes throughout the 12-week review period and provide ongoing advice as is needed.

“Following recent treatments, we can confirm that there are no current outbreaks of scabies at any home in Oldham.”

The 12-week review period is due to end on Monday, February 12, 2024.

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Rob Bellingham, Chief Officer for Population Health and Inequalities for NHS Greater Manchester, said: “While scabies can spread easily and needs to be treated quickly, it is not usually a serious condition.

“There have been a small number of cases of scabies in Greater Manchester affecting some care homes which have all been treated, with no new cases reported.

“Symptoms of scabies include intense itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots. I would encourage people not to worry, but if you notice any of these symptoms, visit your local pharmacist for advice.”

What is scabies?

Scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.

According to academics, the link between the mite and the itch was discovered in 1687, representing the first time the cause of a human disease had been established.

The NHS says scabies is common and anyone can get it. Symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots.

The rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head – though older people, young children, and those with a weakened immune system may develop a rash on their head and neck.

It can take up to eight weeks for the rash to appear after infestation.

Those infested, and other household members, need to apply a special cream or lotion over their whole body, which is repeated one week later. Bedding and clothing also needs to be washed at least 50°C on the first day of treatment, with anything that cannot be washed placed into a sealed bag for three days.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please email me at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.