need advice about undiagnosed rashes at work

Hi everyone.. I am so glad I found this site.

I hope someone can help me.

I just started a new job. During training it was brought up that "a few" of the patients and staff had a "little" rash. When asked for more information, the only info provided was that no on could find out what it was and it wasn't really a big deal.

As I started working more, I realized that most of the patients had this rash. The ones with the worst case have it covering almost their entire bodies especially thier extremeties, backs, and chests. Many of them have scabs, blisters, and some just a lot of little pink, bumps. A hand full of these residents have even been treated for cellulitis (not sure if it is relevant). This rash is extremely itchy and apparently highly contagious. I recently discovered that the staff is beginning to complain of rashes and bug bites "again". This was treated by turning down the heat..

I am very concerned, needless to say. This situation has been going on long before I started because a patient told me "It's not so bad in the winter, but in the summer its very embarrassing". I am frequently treating wounds because they are scratching off these scabs. It is so sad to see these people suffering like this.

Everytime I ask about these rashes, people brush it off and change the subject. I just don't know what else to do without stirring anything up and being a new employee, that won't go over well.

Has anyone seen cases like this? Can you give me any advice?