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Scabies — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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HardRashScabiesMCCQE Part 1

A student has classic scabies and two symptomatic roommates. Which plan best prevents reinfestation after prescribing a first-line scabicide?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Treat close contacts simultaneously and hot-wash or seal fabrics

Scabies readily spreads through prolonged skin contact and among household members. Treat the affected person and exposed close contacts at the same time to prevent ping-pong reinfestation. Clothing, towels and bedding should be hot-washed and hot-dried; items that cannot be laundered can be sealed for at least three days. Environmental fumigation and discarding furniture are unnecessary. Itching may persist after successful eradication, so persistent itch alone does not prove treatment failure.

Reference: Public Health Ontario, Infection Prevention and Control for Home and Community Care, https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/I/25/ipac-home-community-care.pdf