Scabies Outbreak At DC Hospital: Reports

WASHINGTON, DC -- An outbreak of scabies at a D.C. hospital has sickened multiple people there, according to reports.

NBC Washington reports that one patient and a dozen staffers are being treated for scabies at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, and precautions have been ordered to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.

Scabies are a condition caused by a mite that burrows into the skin and lays its eggs, causing intense skin irritation and discomfort. It is highly contagious.

While one patient has been diagnosed, it is not clear if the 12 employees were simply exposed to scabies or had actually contracted it, according to the report.