Outbreak of Scabies at Utah State Correctional Facility Leads to Inmate Quarantine
Salt Lake City – Inmates in one housing unit at the Utah State Correctional Facility were placed under quarantine this week due to an outbreak of scabies, a contagious skin disease caused by tiny parasitic mites. The outbreak has affected 57 inmates, all of whom have now received treatment.
Glen Mills, the director of communications for the Department of Corrections, revealed that scabies is known to spread through skin-to-skin contact and speculated that the disease may have been transmitted through the sharing of laundry facilities. According to Mills, combining laundry from various individuals can potentially contribute to the spread of scabies.
The facility took immediate action to contain the outbreak by temporarily quarantining the Green Unit, where the outbreak occurred. This meant that access to the unit was restricted, and visitors were unable to enter.
However, as of Saturday morning, the quarantine restrictions on the Green Unit have been lifted. Mills assured that comprehensive training will be provided to the staff to evaluate the situation and identify any areas for improvement as they transition back to normal operations.
Scabies is a common occurrence in crowded environments such as prisons, where close physical contact is unavoidable. Symptoms of scabies include intense itchiness and a rash caused by the mites burrowing into the skin. Prompt treatment with medicated creams or lotions is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.
In an interview with KSL NewsRadio, Clayre Scott, a contributing journalist, highlighted the importance of addressing the health concerns within correctional facilities, emphasizing the need for effective measures to prevent the spread of diseases like scabies.
This recent outbreak serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by correctional facilities in maintaining the health and well-being of inmates. Efforts to improve hygiene practices and implement preventive measures will undoubtedly be key in preventing future outbreaks and safeguarding the welfare of incarcerated individuals.