Hospital in Burlington, Ont., fined $10,000 over scabies outbreak involving worker

Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington, Ont., has been fined $10,000 for failing to notify the province about a sick worker.

The fine relates to a scabies outbreak in July 2008, that affected 100 people, including six staff members.

The hospital pleaded guilty to failing to tell the Ministry of Labour within four days that an employee had an occupational illness.

The ministry said it learned about the scabies outbreak through a media report and began an investigation.

Scabies is a microscopic mite that burrows into the skin and causes intense itching and a rash. It is comparable to head lice.

An elderly man brought scabies into the hospital when he arrived from a long-term care facility at the end of April and two workers had to take time off work.

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