(BIVN) – Kona Community Hospital has temporarily closed all patient units to visitors until further notice due to the scabies outbreak at the hospital.

Hospital leadership and the Infection Prevention Director implemented the aggressive preventative measure on Thursday in order to protect patients and staff from potential exposure to infection.

The scabies outbreak at the hospital was confirmed on November 19.

“Hospital employees are in the process of informing patients of the new protocol,” a hospital media advisory stated. “In addition, staff is contacting each patient’s appointed primary contact to explain the situation and make them aware of the temporary closure. There are exceptions in place for patients on the Obstetrics Unit as well as for pediatric surgery patients. All outpatient services will remain open.”

“We understand that community members are concerned about exposure to scabies,” the hospital said. “Scabies is caused by a mite which burrows under the skin causing intense itching and rash. It can be transmitted from person to person with direct skin to skin contact. It is treatable and is not life threatening.”