OBJECTIVE To investigate the causes and process of an outbreak of crusted scabies among intensive care unit (ICU) staff in a three-A general hospital, and to provide a basis for clinical prevention and control of scabies infection.

METHODS A hospital-acquired scabies infection event that occurred in Aug. 2023 was investigated. A field investigation was undertaken, lessons were summarized, and comprehensive prevention and control measures were developed and implemented.

RESULTS Among the 53 exposed cases of ICU staff, 36 cases were acquired scabies infection, with an infection rate of 67.92%. The infection rates of different categories of workers were significant (P=0.004), specifically, the infection rate was 100.00% for cleaners, 74.36% for nurses, and 22.22% for doctors. After the control measures were implemented, no new infections occurred, and the outbreak was effectively controlled. Twenty-one individuals exhibited one or more areas of infection, primarily on the forearms, abdomen, finger creases, elbow pits and inner thighs. The main reasons for the outbreak of infection were the failure to promptly diagnose the index case and inadequate implementation of standard precautions among medical staff and cleaners.

CONCLUSIONS Timely diagnosis and treatment are the key measures to prevent and control the outbreak of scabies infection. Rapid isolation and treatment of the first case, implementation of environmental disinfection measures, rapid screening of suspected cases and close contacts, standardized treatment and prevention of infected persons and close contacts with drugs, and training and guidance on scabies related knowledge are essential for the control of hospital-acquired infection of scabies.