Outbreak of scabies at home

Relatives have been banned from visiting their loved ones at a Wolverhampton nursing home for more than a week after the break-out of a skin infection.

A visiting ban has been put down on all of Aldergrove Manor Nursing Home's 69 residents after four of became infected with scabies.

The condition has broke out on an isolated unit of 19 residents at the Penn Road home, but a blanket ban on visits and new admissions has been put in place across the entire home.

It is believed the infection, which has been contained in a dementia unit at the nursing home, may have been brought in from somebody outside the home.

Staff said they had been forced to close the doors in to keep in line with "stringent" infection control procedures. The ban was put down early last week, and bosses said they were hoping to re-open the doors again tomorrow.

A spokeswoman from the nursing home said today: "Four residents have been affected by scabies.

"We don't yet know the source of the outbreak.

"In line with our stringent infection control procedures and in consultation with the authorities, the home has been closed for a short period of time for new admissions and visitors. We hope to re-open again tomorrow. The home has been keeping next of kin informed and we thank our relatives for their understanding."

But relatives who have loved ones being cared for at the home said they were "disgusted" at the ban. One man, who asked not to be named, told the Express & Star, he was upset at being told by staff to stay away.

"We have a relative there and we haven't been able to see her for more than a week," he said. "The home said there had been a breakout of scabies which is why we haven't been able to go and visit.

"We don't know how it started but I think it is disgusting. We are really hoping it re-opens again soon."

Scabies is caused by a tiny mite and usually leads to a itchy rash. It can be passed on by close skin-to-skin contact.