What is one of the common causes of infections and outbreaks in nursing homes?

Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, and it is indeed a common cause of infections and outbreaks in nursing homes. The close living quarters and the frequent physical contact among residents provide an ideal environment for scabies to spread rapidly. Once introduced into a nursing home, scabies can affect many residents, leading to discomfort, secondary bacterial infections due to scratching, and significant distress among the elderly population.

Effective infection control measures, such as identifying and treating affected individuals, are crucial to prevent further outbreaks. Nursing homes must also educate staff about the signs and symptoms of scabies and reinforce proper hygiene practices to limit transmission. While other options like influenza and chronic wounds can also cause infections in nursing homes, scabies is particularly notorious for its capacity to lead to outbreaks due to its highly contagious nature.