An outbreak of the skin condition, scabies, in care homes in Oldham is being brought under control, a councillor has said.

Twelve outbreaks of the infectious rash, which is caused by mite infestations of the skin, have been reported in the borough in recent months, The Oldham Times reported.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting at the beginning of this month, Councillor Barbara Brownridge, portfolio holder for health and social care, said: “We have now sourced enough treatments for the scabies outbreak. The first treatment has been applied. The second treatment will be applied in the next week so hopefully we will see the back of it.”

Scabies can be transmitted by frequent skin-to-skin contact, with people in care homes particularly at risk.

Oldham Council said it was providing daily infection prevention and control advice as well as support in obtaining the necessary treatment for care homes that have been affected.

The council said it had also been working with district nurse teams to support with dressings and working with care homes to reduce the risk of re-infection.

Staff who have shown symptoms and their household contacts, as well as families of infected residents have also been supported and signposted to community pharmacists for treatment, the council added.