An outbreak of scabies has affected four hospitals in NSW. It started at the Wollongong Hospital and then spread to other facilities such as Coledale, Bulli, and Shellharbour.
The skin disease, which can be triggered by a Sarcopettes scabiei, can cause an uncomfortable and itchy rash.
On Tuesday, the ISLHD released a statement, which noted that the number of infections had increased to 38.
This includes 14 patients and 24 employees of the various facilities.
Margot Mains, the agency’s chief executive, said that the health authority was working to contain the outbreak and support the affected individuals.
According to Ms Mains, the incubation period for scabies can range from six to eight weeks.
Because of this, she noted that there could be undetected cases within the community and in the hospitals.
To prevent the spread of the disease, the district has urged all its staff and patients to get preventive treatment.
Those who recently left the hospital have been asked to monitor for signs of an itchy rash.
The skin disease can appear all over the body, including the wrists, groin, underarms, and fingers.
It can lead to painful sores that are thick and crusty.
The Mayo Clinic explained that the disease is caused by a type of eight-legged mite that lives under the skin.
The larvae travel to the surface of the skin and develop into a type of mite. It then spreads to other areas of the body through physical contact.
According to NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, people should not be scared or worried about getting the skin disease.
He noted that hospitals were doing everything they could to prevent the spread of the infection.
Mr. Park noted that scabies was quite common and could be easily treated.