Scabies outbreak forces temporary hospital ward closures

A small number of patients at the RNI and Raigmore Hospital have been impacted.

Scabies outbreak forces temporary ward closures at Highland hospitals STV News

An outbreak of scabies prompted the temporary closure of wards at two hospitals in Inverness.

According to NHS Highland, a small number of patients at the Royal Northern Infirmary (RNI) Community Hospital and Raigmore Hospital have been impacted.

The wards have now been reopened after infection control measures were implemented.

It is the latest of several similar outbreaks in the NHS Highland area, with the health board urging people to be alert and look out for signs of the contagious skin condition, which is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.

The spokesman for NHS Highland said: “We have seen a very small number of patients presenting with signs of the scabies mite in the RNI and Raigmore. Infection control measures were put in place and both have since reopened.   

“We are seeing occurrences of scabies in the Highland area. We would ask that people familiarise themselves with the information on NHS Inform and seek appropriate healthcare advice if required.”

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code