If you’re managing an office, healthcare facility, or any type of commercial building, keeping your space clean and healthy is a top priority. One issue that can sometimes fly under the radar is scabies, especially in environments where people are in close contact. Scabies is highly contagious, but the good news is that with a little know-how, you can help prevent an outbreak in your business.

In this guide, we’ll cover what scabies is, how it spreads, and most importantly, the steps you can take to keep your space scabies-free. Let’s dive into it and get practical!

What is Scabies and Why Should I Care?

Scabies is a skin infection caused by tiny mites. These mites burrow under the skin, causing intense itching, redness, and rashes. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, which makes it a big concern in any setting where people are close to one another—think offices, healthcare centers, nursing homes, or even gyms.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds rare,” you’d be surprised. Scabies can show up in places where you least expect it, and because it’s so contagious, just one undetected case can lead to a much bigger problem for your staff and visitors. Not only that, but scabies can survive on surfaces like furniture, clothing, and bedding for up to 3 days, which is why a proactive approach to cleanliness is key.

Step 1: Early Detection and Diagnosis

The faster you spot scabies, the easier it is to control. The tricky part? It doesn’t always look the same. Some people may experience the classic red rash and itching, but others might have crusted scabies, which is even more contagious and can look different.

Here are some tips to catch it early:

• Watch for the signs: If anyone is experiencing itching, especially worse at night, or has a rash, pay attention.
• Keep communication open: Encourage employees to report any unexplained rashes or skin irritation. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Regular health checks: In healthcare settings or places with high-risk individuals (like nursing homes), regular skin checks can help catch scabies before it spreads.

Step 2: Isolate and Control Infection

Once a case of scabies is confirmed (or even suspected), quick action is crucial to prevent it from spreading to others. Here’s what to do:

• Isolate the individual: Anyone with scabies should be isolated from the rest of the staff or visitors. This doesn’t mean quarantine for weeks, but it’s essential to limit contact until they’ve started treatment.
• Use protective gear: If employees need to interact with an infected person (especially in healthcare settings), make sure they wear gloves, gowns, and avoid direct skin contact.
• Track the case: Keep a log of anyone who’s had close contact with the infected person. This way, if another case pops up, you can quickly connect the dots and contain it.

Step 3: Clean, Disinfect, Repeat

Now, let’s talk cleaning—this is where your facilities team or a professional cleaning service (like us at Burgos Cleaning!) becomes critical. Scabies mites can live on surfaces, so deep cleaning is a must. Here’s how to handle it:

• Hot water is your friend: For any clothing, bedding, or linens that have been in contact with the infected person, wash them in hot water (at least 122°F) and dry them on high heat. This kills any mites hiding out.
• Vacuuming and disinfecting: Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and floors. Then, follow up with a disinfectant that’s known to kill scabies mites. Be thorough—don’t forget less obvious areas like chair armrests or shared equipment.
• Bag it up: If there are items that can’t be washed (like pillows or cushions), seal them in plastic bags for a week. The mites will die without a human host, but it takes a few days.

At Burgos Cleaning, we specialize in these kinds of detailed cleaning protocols. Our day porters are trained to manage everything from regular cleaning to handling deeper, targeted disinfection when scabies (or any other contagious issue) arises.

Step 4: Train Your Team and Stay Vigilant

Prevention is always better than reacting to an outbreak. You don’t need to scare your team, but a little education can go a long way in keeping your workspace healthy.

• Regular training: Make sure your staff knows the signs of scabies and how it spreads. Provide them with easy-to-follow guidelines on how to prevent it from spreading, like avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and keeping shared areas clean.
• Health checks for new staff: If you manage a healthcare facility or any setting where people live on-site (like assisted living), it’s smart to screen new hires or residents for skin conditions that could be scabies.
• Ongoing cleaning protocols: Consistency is key. Keep up with regular cleaning schedules, especially in high-touch areas like doorknobs, keyboards, and shared equipment.

Step 5: What to Do If There’s an Outbreak

Okay, worst-case scenario—a scabies outbreak hits your office or facility. Don’t panic! Here’s a step-by-step guide to managing it:

• Treat everyone at once: If multiple people have scabies, it’s important to treat everyone who may have been exposed at the same time. This reduces the risk of reinfestation.
• Deep clean the facility: This is where you bring in the big guns. A professional cleaning team should disinfect all surfaces, paying special attention to high-risk areas like bathrooms, break rooms, and shared workspaces.
• Communicate clearly: Let your staff know what’s happening, but stay calm and factual. The goal is to keep everyone informed without causing unnecessary panic.

How Burgos Cleaning Can Help

Handling a scabies outbreak is no small task, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Burgos Cleaning, we specialize in commercial cleaning services that are designed to keep your workplace healthy and safe. From day porters to specialized deep cleaning for outbreaks, our team is trained and equipped to help you tackle any challenge that comes your way.

We’re here to help you prevent issues like scabies before they start, and to respond quickly if they do. Need a plan for scabies control? Or just looking for routine cleaning to keep your workplace in top shape? We’ve got your back.

Final Thoughts

Scabies might not be something that’s on your mind every day, but in shared environments, it’s important to know the risks and how to prevent them. With early detection, proper cleaning, and a little bit of planning, you can keep your business running smoothly and your staff feeling safe.

Let us handle the dirty work so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. Ready to get started? Reach out to Burgos Cleaning today, and let’s keep your space spotless and safe.