Table 1.

Summary of reported institutional scabies outbreaks, 1984–2013

Total outbreaks reported	84
Type of institution*
Aged care facility	40
Hospital	33
Other institution	12
Median infested per outbreak (no. reported, range)	26 (83, 3–883)
Median attack/prevalence rate (no. reported, range)	38% (51, 2–97%)
Median duration, months (no. reported, range)	3 (71, 1–42)
Estimated cost (no. reported, range)	US$22 500 (14, US$2000–200 000)
Number (%) where crusted scabies reported as index case	68 (83%)
Number (%) where crusted scabies was reported as misdiagnosed	36 (43%)
Method of diagnosis†
Clinical	52 (62%)
Skin scraping	36 (43%)
Other	6 (7%)

^*One outbreak affected multiple institutions

^†More than one method may be used in diagnosis. Diagnosis of index case/crusted scabies not included.