The state's health department has revealed it sent a local government official to Warrnambool's Lyndoch Living mid last month to check on a scabies outbreak.
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That happened on December 17, three days after The Standard made inquiries and was issued a statement by Lyndoch.
That statement read: "While Lyndoch Living remains COVID-19 free, a group of people have been treated for a common skin disease subsequent to a specialist dermatologist review. Contact precautions are in place, and all relevant parties have been notified."
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, scabies is a highly contagious parasitic skin infestation.
Tiny mites which burrow under the skin and lay eggs in skin that is soft and protected such as between the fingers, folds of the armpit and elbow, the groin and the creases of the bottom.
Scabies causes intense itching and often a rash due to an allergic reaction to the mite.
It can be treated by a specific cream, lotion or oral medication applied for up to two weeks and can be a significant problem in nursing homes.
This week a Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman confirmed a minor scabies outbreak had occurred at the Lyndoch aged care facility.
She said the outbreak has been appropriately managed with ongoing monitoring in place.
"Those affected have received treatment, overseen by a medical specialist," she said.
"The department is confident Lyndoch has appropriate control and prevention measures in place to protect its residents and staff."
DHHS said it contacted Lyndoch on December 17 after being alerted to an outbreak of scabies by a member of the public.
The department was advised residents and staff were being treated and managed appropriately with additional precautions in place to prevent further infection.
A local government officer also attended Lyndoch on the same day, at the request of the department and was satisfied the appropriate control measures and treatment were underway.
This week Lyndoch has been contacted each day for comment about the outbreak but has failed to respond to calls.
Scabies is not a notifiable disease under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act and as such is not required to be notified to the department.
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