Minister: No need for alarm over prison scabies

Melford Nicholas, information minister has said that the issue of scabies at Her Majesty’s Prison is under control and there is no need for public hysteria.
OBSERVER media has reported that at least nine inmates were allegedly suffering from suspected scabies and they had been locked away in a chapel which is being used as a quarantine area.
It was also reported that no doctor had visited the prison for this past week although a prescription was written to treat the skin disease.
However, the minister told reporters on Thursday during the weekly Cabinet press briefing that the matter was addressed by Superintendent of Prisons Albert Wade over a week ago. He said the one inmate who came down with the infection was taken to the hospital for treatment while others who shared the same cell are being monitored.
“The cellmates were also isolated and were being treated proactively to ensure that there is no outbreak within the prison system,” Nicholas said.
Scabies is an itchy, highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Direct skin-to-skin contact is the mode of transmission; other symptoms can include tiny red burrows on the skin and relentless itching.
The most common symptoms are intense itching, especially at night, a pimple-like rash, scales or blisters and sores caused by scratching.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department will be assisting with repairs to the roof at the prison which collapsed over four weeks ago.
Minister Nicholas said this is a part of several repairs which will be done to improve the aesthetics at the overcrowded facility. He said he is confident that the government department will respond in a positive manner.