To UNITED STATESthe heads of student health services at the University of Florida du Nord reported that 13 students required treatment for infestation or exposure to Gale : 347 students living in Buildings T and V at Osprey Cove have been notified of possible exposure to scabies.
Reminders on the Gale
It is caused by an infestation by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei The mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs there.
Transmission of this mite from person to person usually occurs through prolonged direct contact with infested skin. Transfer from underwear and bedding only occurs if these have been contaminated by an infested person immediately before.
It may take up to two months for symptoms to appear after the first infestation. Scabies produces a rash made up of small red bumps and blisters and affects specific areas of the body.
The lesions are prominent around the fingers, wrists and elbows, armpits, waist line, thighs and genitals in men, while the nipples, abdomen and buttocks are commonly affected in women. In infants, the head, neck, palms and soles of the feet may be affected.
The itching is intense, especially at night, and complications due to secondary bacterial infections of staphylococcus and streptococcus are possible.
THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following measures to prevent and control scabies:
Scabies is prevented by avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person or with items such as clothing or bedding used by an infested person. Treatment for scabies is usually recommended for members of the same household, especially those who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact. All household members and others potentially exposed should be treated at the same time as the infected person to avoid possible re-exposure and re-infestation.
Source : Outbreak News Today.