In February 2005 we performed an epidemiological study of an outbreak of scabies in a tertiary-care hospital which started from a crusted scabies case. We detected 10 secondary cases, 8 in healthcare workers and 2 in hospitalized patients. The attack rate was 4.1%. In contrast to previously described outbreaks, the crusted scabies case was recognized at admission. The outbreak causes were: lacking adherence to contact precautions, long stay of the primary case in the hospital ward and delay of specific treatment. The main control measures were: alerting the hospital services about the outbreak, performing epidemiologic surveillance, coordinating with the Hospital Direction and the Occupational Health Department, education of healthcare workers in control measures, implementation of isolation measures and treatment of cases and contacts with 5% permethrin topical lotion.

Eczema herpeticum caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. Review of the literature about one case Eczema herpeticum is an extensive vesicular eruption caused by cutaneous dissemination of herpes simplex virus in patients who have underlying skin conditions or epidermal barrier disruption. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) is the most common etiology. This is the first report in Chile of a case of eczema herpeticum caused by HSV 2 in a patient with Darier´s disease, We review the literature and emphasize the use of sensitive and specific assays as real time polimerase chain reaction, that allow to initiate timely the correct treatment.