Implementation and evaluation of an algorithm for the management of scabies outbreaks.

Background: Infestations with scabies mites are a global burden affecting individuals of all ages, classes and ethnicities. As poor sanitation and overcrowding favor the transmission of this highly contagious disease, epidemic outbreaks are frequently observed among displaced persons and asylum seekers. Due to the growing influx of refugees during the last years, public health authorities in host countries are frequently confronted with the challenge to treat individuals with diagnosed or suspected scabies promptly and effectively to avoid further spreading of the infestation.

Air-conditioner cooling towers as complex reservoirs and continuous source of infection evidenced by a genomic analysis study in 2017, Switzerland.

IntroductionWater supply and air-conditioner cooling towers (ACCT) are potential sources of infection in people. During outbreaks, traditional typing methods cannot sufficiently segregate strains to reliably trace back transmissions to these artificial water systems. Moreover, because multiple strains may be present within these systems, methods to adequately distinguish strains are needed.