RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) - A central Kentucky jailer says a problem with scabies is under control at his facility after five or six inmates contracted the itchy skin disease while housed there.
Madison County Jailer Doug Thomas told The Richmond Register that the infection also spread to several jail employees after arising in January.
The tiny mites that cause scabies burrow into the skin and deposit eggs. The burrow looks like a pencil mark, and eggs mature after 21 days.
Direct contact with infected people allows the mite to spread, but is less often spread by sharing bedding or clothing.
The condition is treated by the use of medicated prescription creams.
Thomas says officials initially suspected an allergic reaction to bleach being used in the laundry. Thomas says that was late ruled out.
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