In light of a scabies outbreak at the Utah State Correctional Facility, particularly within its geriatric section, Currant, officials have put measures in place to contain the spread, which has led to temporary restrictions on visitations and volunteer activities. As the State of Utah reported, the Division of Correctional Health Services nurses are handling treatment and administering permethrin cream to those affected. Efforts are underway to educate inmates and staff on proper hygiene to fight further infestation.
An individual in the Currant unit, where older inmates and those requiring extensive medical care stay, was confirmed to have scabies prompting a quarantine which affects the prison's visitation and volunteer programs; nurses have responded by delivering treatment and washing clothing and bedding with disinfectant to prevent the scabies, which is known for severe itching and a pimple-like rash from spreading through the prison according to a CDC fact sheet.
The highly contagious nature of scabies, caused by mite infestations in the skin, has necessitated aggressive cleaning protocols throughout the facility. Particular attention is being given to areas with increased susceptibility to the spread of the mite, which thrives in close-contact environments.
Educational efforts to bolster awareness and prevention are underway as the facility aims to curb the outbreak. They're teaching about the importance of personal hygiene and the necessary steps to protect oneself from contracting or transmitting the scabies mite, which typically spreads via prolonged skin-to-skin contact, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control.
