PORTLAND, Tenn. -- Ruth Walker, 74, said the itching started two weeks ago. Then she began seeing a rash and raised red bumps.

Video: Nursing Home Has Possible Scabies Outbreak

Walker's nursing home is treating her symptoms and others who live there as a possible outbreak of scabies, which is a highly contagious skin infection caused by mites.

Scabies is spread by touching a person who is infected.

The administrators at Highland Manor Nursing Home in Portland said it's possible the infestation was brought into the facility by visitors. Some 112 residents live there.

The Department of Health is investigating, and officials said it's just as possible that whatever it is started inside.

But no matter the cause, Walker said she is heartbroken because she probably won't be able to visit her family in Cookeville this Thanksgiving.

The staff has been calling family members to alert them as to what has happened. They said that most have called back with questions and concerns.

Sherrill Esquilla's mother is at Highland Manor, and Esquilla said she is satisfied that the staff has started washing down each resident and slathering their bodies with a topical cream.

"They called me and told me what was going on, what they were going to do, and they've done that," Esquilla said.

Officials with the Department of Health said treatment should involve more than washing residents and using the cream medication: All sheets, towels and bedding need to be washed in hot water and then placed inside a hot dryer.

If Walker's family decides to pick her up and take her home for Thanksgiving, they'll have to get guidance from nursing home staff.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, itching can continue for two to three weeks, but that's no indication that a person is still infested.