Outbreaks: Prevention, testing and management of common illnesses and infections

Outbreak Information, Guidance and Education

This page provides information and guidance to help prepare for, and support people, with common illnesses which can be linked to outbreaks.

You will find information on prevention, testing and control of illnesses, including, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and scabies. Some of these illnesses tend to happen during the Winter months and may be referred to as Winter illnesses or bugs.

Further to the resources on this page the NHS Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) team in Scotland have launched a Winter Preparedness Campaign . This contains additional information such as how to prepare for a potential outbreak; essential communications with staff and visitors if they are feeling unwell to help prevent a potential outbreak; and reflective discussions to learn from previous outbreaks.

**Please note**
All documents and links on this page are reviewed (at least) annually, usually in the run up to Winter, please always check that you are using the most up to date version of any document. All documents reviewed October 2025 and updated as required.

The most up to date national information and guidance can be found online within Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM) .

Video: Overview of common illnesses and related measures

This short video has kindly been shared by East Region Health Protection Service and covers common respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. These are most common during Winter although they may occur at other times of the year. This video includes:

How to identify illness and interventions to limit transmission of illness and outbreaks.
Testing processes and infection outbreak management

All information correct to cover Winter 2025/2026

Scabies

This infectious mite skin condition can can be found in many areas, including, Care Homes and schools.

Please find below a link to a Webinar available in the National Infection Prevention and Control manual (NIPCM) with a comprehensive update on Scabies.

National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Scabies: Back to Basics Presentation – 23 October 2024

Care Home Outbreak Box – Gastrointestinal & Respiratory

How the boxes originated, information, feedback and questions

The Care Home Outbreak Box (AKA Outbreak Grab Box) was initially suggested by the Midlothian Care Home Support Team (CHST) during Winter preparedness discussions and how we may be able to assist Care Homes with outbreaks or suspected outbreaks in a way useful to them.

The opportunity for a box was then discussed at NHS Lothians weekly Operational Group Meeting, which has representatives from NHS Lothian, the four HSCPs, Care Inspectorate and Scottish Care.

It was suggested that we asked the Care Homes if they thought this type of box would be useful and 99% of respondents agreed that it would be a good resource to have access to.

100 boxes were created and offered to all Care Homes in Lothian, in December 2024 these were distibuted by the Care Home Support Team (CHST) in each local authority area. The uptake was very encouraging with the majority of Care Homes accepting a box.

After the initial supply of an outbreak box Care Homes are required to keep information up to date themselves with assistance as required from their CHST. Relevant documents will also be placed on this webpage to assist with updating materials.

The team behind the the Care Home Outbreak Box collated information to gain feedback on the boxes; what worked well and what didn’t work so well in relation to the boxes during an outbreak or suspected outbreak – so that we could ensure they meet the needs of Care Homes.

The responses from feedback were very positive, with 80% of respondents to a survey saying they had used the box and it’s contents and 90% saying they would recommend others to use the box.

If you wish to give feedback on the Care Home Outbreak Box , ask questions or gain more information please do not hesitate to email NHS Lothian Quality Improvement Team for Care Homes and Primary Care Settings or contact your local CHST.

What is a Care Home Outbreak Box?

Although it is recognised Care Homes manage outbreaks of infection well, the idea of the Care Home Outbreak Box (AKA Outbreak Grab Box) is to have outbreak information and resources available in one central point within the Care Home.

The Care Homes outbreak box aims to contain information required during an outbreak and contains guidance and posters on various aspects from PPE to sampling procedures.

It is entirely voluntary if a Care Home chooses to have or use an outbreak box although the East Region Health Protection Service (formerly Health Protection Team (HPT)) do encourage their use during outbreaks or suspected outbreaks.

We do not have any physical outbreak boxes remaining, however, you can download all the materials below.

What is in a Care Home Outbreak Box?

The Care Homes Outbreak Box consists of a label for the boxand the materials below: a red folder (gastrointestinal illness), a blue folder (respiratory illness) and additional information, such as, posters for outbreaks and hand hygiene

Update for Winter 2025/26

All information has been reviewed and where required updated for this 2025/26 Winter season. There are some new items to the box which are highlighted below, please also see the Care Home Managers Letter for information on PCR swabs for this year; this was emailed to all Care Homes in Lothian on October 13th 2025.

**Please note** All items below will open in a new window