Asylum seekers sent to isolation facility due to scabies outbreak

A number of asylum-seekers who were sleeping in tents in Dublin city have been diagnosed with the skin condition scabies and moved to an isolation facility.

The tented accommodation near the headquarters of the International Protection Office in Mount Street has led to health worries about the asylum-seekers.

A spokesperson for the HSE said healthcare workers and funded agencies were on site to assess and monitor the immediate healthcare needs of people sleeping rough in the Mount Street area, with onward referral as required.

“The primary care team has begun treatment for those with scabies and has liaised with regional public health,” they said.

“These patients have also been referred to the National Infectious Disease Isolation Facility for treatment and to contain spread to others.”

The facility is in Portrane in north Dublin at the St Ita’s campus and offers a 43-bed, 24-hour facility for people who have infectious diseases and who are unable to isolate in their own environment.

It is currently zoned and can accommodate residents with different infectious diseases and differing isolation periods without risk of cross-contamination.

A number of others have also been diagnosed with respiratory diseases.

Outbreaks of scabies are notifiable to public health and regional departments of public health assess all notifications and address incidents to manage and control, as appropriate, further transmission as far as is possible.

Last year saw an increase in the number of scabies outbreaks in Ireland, with 26 reported compared with nine in 2022. As of February 15 last, an additional eight outbreaks were notified.

The two main treatments for the condition are permethrin cream and malathion lotion.

Last year, most outbreaks were reported in places where people are grouped together, including nine in nursing homes and eight in residential institutions, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. Three outbreaks were in private households.

A rise in cases in other European countries has been seen.

The watchdog said scabies is a very common itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite. Anyone of any age can get scabies.

It usually starts with itching, which can be worse at night-time.

A rash can also be present in affected areas of skin; it may be seen in skin folds, for example between fingers and toes.

Scabies is not usually a serious condition. It is treated with creams applied directly to the skin in addition to other measures.