Chillán Hospital confirms Norwegian scabies outbreak

The Herminda Martín Clinical Hospital (HCHM) in Chillán, Ñuble region, has confirmed an outbreak of Norwegian scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). Epidemiological investigations have identified 13 infected individuals to date, including eight people who contracted the condition through direct contact during healthcare services, two via intradomiciliary contact, and three through work-related contact.

In response, the hospital has activated protocols in coordination with the Ñuble Health Seremi and the Ministry of Health. Measures include the isolation of patients, the use of personal protective equipment, and the temporary suspension of student clinical practices in the affected services. The facility is also implementing contact blocking for staff, students, and volunteers, while reinforcing symptom self-reporting and standard infection control precautions.

Norwegian scabies, also known as crusted scabies, is a severe form of scabies characterized by an extremely high parasitic load, which significantly increases its contagiousness compared to common scabies. Transmission occurs primarily through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, but can also spread via contaminated clothing, bedding, or surfaces.