South Health District: Scabies cases on the rise - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

News release from the South Health District-

Valdosta, GA - Due to recent reports and inquiries, Public Health Officials in South Georgia caution the public to be aware of the possibility of scabies in your community.

Human scabies is caused by an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite. The mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives-- and lays its eggs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and pimple-like skin rash. It is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

"It is likely that symptoms will not appear for over a month for persons who have never had scabies before," states Rachel Franklin, MPH, District Epidemiologist. "However, symptoms will start to appear within 1 to 4 days for persons that have had scabies in the past."

Treatment is necessary for a person with scabies, along with anyone that has had extended skin-to-skin contact with that person, such as household members and sexual contacts. A person with scabies can spread the condition before symptoms begin to appear.

Household items such as bedding, clothing, and towels used by a person with scabies should be machine-washed in hot water and dried using the hot cycle. Mites do not survive more than 72 hours away from human skin; therefore, items that cannot be washed with hot water can be decontaminated by having no skin contact for that period of time.

"Although the thought of this is disturbing, scabies is found worldwide and affects people of all races and social classes," says Franklin. "It is not a reflection of your personal cleanliness."

If you believe you have scabies or have been in close contact with an infected individual, contact your health care provider immediately for prompt treatment. More information can found on scabies at www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/ or by calling your local health department.

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