Norwegian scabies case confirmed in NHS Lothian

A health board at the centre of an outbreak of scabies have confirmed a case of a virulent strain of the infestation.

NHS Lothian said there had been one person infected with Norwegian scabies, also known as crusted scabies which attacks people with particularly low immunity commonly the elderly and people living with a physical disability. It is called Norwegian scabies due to the condition first presenting in that country during the mid-19th century.

Five sites including the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh have been affected since 16 August, with over 20 workers catching the infestation.

Dr Duncan Mccormick, of NHS Lothian, said: “There was one case of Norwegian scabies. Others experienced the standard scabies infestation.”