Scabies & Bed Bugs

Scabies & Bed Bugs

Background

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but they may cause itching, which can lead to skin infection. 

Scabies is caused by a parasite (mite) that burrows into the skin, causing intense itching and a skin rash. Scabies is usually spread by direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact. It can sometimes be spread by contact with clothing, towels, or bedding used by a person with scabies. Crusted (Norwegian) scabies is a more severe form of scabies and is very contagious. Without proper infection prevention strategies, scabies can spread in nursing homes and may cause outbreaks.

 

 

 

Educational Resources

VDH Infection Prevention and Control Assessments: The HAI/AR team is available to conduct a no-cost, non-regulatory, onsite visit to help a facility identify its infection prevention strengths and areas of opportunity.

Environmental Protection Agency 

Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group

VCU Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center

 

 

 

Setting-Specific Resources

Scabies & bed bugs resources specific to long-term care settings: 

  • Quick Guide for Nursing Home Infection Preventionists: Scabies (VDH)
  • Quick Guide for Nursing Home IPs: Bed Bugs (VDH)

 

 

 

Patient Resources

 

 

 

Data & Reporting

Virginia Communicable Disease & Outbreak Reporting Requirements

For both bed bugs and scabies: individual cases or outbreaks are not explicitly reportable per the Regulations for Disease Reporting and Control. However, we encourage facilities to contact your local health department if you are experiencing an increase in cases and additional resources are needed.

Last Updated: October 16, 2024